Media Release: Strike Action Escalation: LutherCare Communities Group Homes
For Immediate Release
April 26, 2024
Liquor Stores Show Saskatchewan Party Pursuing Privatization
March 31 will mark the end of all publicly owned liquor stores in this province and the dismantling of another crown corporation. In September 2007, the Saskatchewan Party said they would not privatize Crown corporations. Since then, they have sold, closed and chipped away at a variety of Crowns.
Periodically, public outcry slows the government plans, the Saskatchewan Party reiterates that they will not sell our Crowns, yet here we are.
On the heels of a $500 affordability cheque, thanks to the profits made by Crown corporations, this government announces the selloff of all remaining SLGA-run liquor stores. The government cites this move as necessary as the current SLGA stores have seen their net income drop by 96 per cent since 2018.
This drop in net income was entirely predictable when one considers the steps the government has taken since 2009 to allow private liquor sellers to enter the marketplace, providing them with competitive advantages that the government refused to allow in SLGA stores.
A Dec. 09, 2014 report released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives states that “Privatization takes $46 million away from services like health care or education and puts it into the pockets of private liquor store operators.” This, despite making millions each year in revenue to support the province.
Was the $500 affordability cheque really offered to residents as a gesture of the province doing well, or should this be considered hush money, while this government sells off another part of Saskatchewan’s genetic makeup?
Martin Been, Saskatoon
Find the published letter in the Star Phoenix here.
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Media Release: Strike Notice Served: LutherCare Communities Group Homes
For Immediate Release
April 22, 2024