For immediate release:
July 22, 2005

Barrett calls for common sense action on LCBO report

MPP Toby Barrett has called on the McGuinty government to use common sense in the wake of a report on the future of the LCBO.

The report suggests that there are creative ways in which the private sector could improve the way that alcohol is distributed throughout the province, while increasing revenue for the provincial government.

“We have a government that has spent well over half a million dollars examining its options, but ignores some potentially useful suggestions,” said Barrett. “So why not find some ways to improve service and save some money?”

“Just like tobacco, it is important to ensure that alcohol is distributed responsibly and conveniently to consumers,” Barrett pointed out. “Governments across Canada accrue close to $9 billion annually from tobacco sales, yet they don’t rely on unionized government workers to distribute the product.”

Barrett called on the Ontario government to accept the reality that business competition is a good thing for all of Ontario’s residents.

“A little bit of healthy competition will improve efficiency and grant us more resources that can be spent on higher priorities such as agriculture, health care, or education,” said Barrett. “With the proper leadership, we could increase convenience, enhance revenue, and continue to ensure that alcohol products are distributed safely and responsibly,” he added.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629.