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'That noise you hear off in the distance is the sound of (Premier) Dalton McGuinty beating the drum for the possible privatization.'
Toronto (14 May 2010) - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) says there are legitimate reasons to fear that the McGuinty government may sell of the ultra-profitable Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
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"That noise you hear off in the distance is the sound of (Premier) Dalton McGuinty beating the drum for the possible privatization," says OPSEU's Liquor Board Employees Division (LBED).
"In recent months the premier has spoken out on several occasions that he’s prepared to look at different ownership models for Ontario’s key crown agencies, like the LCBO, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming commission (OLG)," the division says.
"Together these public assets have become known as ‘Crown Jewels’ and they contribute billions of dollars in revenue to the provincial treasury. What the Premier is really saying is that his government is prepared to privatize all or part of these public corporations, all in the name of deficit reduction."
OPSEU says its position is clear.
"We want no part of McGuinty’s privatization scheme. Mike Harris tried privatization a decade ago and we successfully fought back. Harris ran for cover the moment liquor board employees mounted a counter-offensive and he never raised the issue again. McGuinty can expect no less from LBED if he tries to pull off the same sleight-of-hand," the union warns.
At this week’s OPSEU convention, LBED delegates will learn more about our strategy to fight back against McGuinty’s privatization plan.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
It’s Our LCBO. Let’s Keep it Public!