Ontario Conservative leader Tim Hudak (right) and his former Tory boss Mike Harris. Hudak follows Harris in pushing privatization
A Submission from the Office of Ontario Conservative Opposition Leader Tim Hudak
(This December 4, Ontario PC leader and Niagara area MPP Tim Hudak was in Niagara Falls, Ontario to make a pitch for privatizing some gambling operations in the province and using the savings from that move to improve health care and educational services. In the following media release, Hudak is making a pitch to apply that same privatization medicine to the province’s profitable retail liquor stores.
Niagara At Large is posting this release for our readers and we look forward to any comments you may have on this news, which is likely to be a subject of debate in a provincial election expected next spring or summer, in the space below.)
TORONTO, December 4, 2012 – It’s time to challenge why the government needs to run businesses that distract its focus from core services we all value, like health care, education and infrastructure, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak said today.
Speaking at a downtown Toronto government liquor store, Hudak cited the LCBO as a prime example of Queen’s Park operating a commercial enterprise – from top to bottom – that should be exposed to private sector competition, enabling more consumer choice.
“The LCBO system was created in 1927. That’s the year Charles Lindberg crossed the Atlantic,” Hudak said. “And the basic idea hasn’t changed since: government doesn’t trust Ontarians to make their own responsible choices.”
And today, staring at a projected $30 billion deficit, this government wants to spend another $100 million for new LCBO outlets, Hudak added. “It’s time for some tough choices on getting out of businesses Queen’s Park has no business being in.”
Hudak noted that whatever direction you leave Ontario consumers have more choices in where they can buy alcohol, from corner stores to grocery stores to private outlets. “Let’s join our neighbours in treating people like adults.”
The province should consider all options for increasing choice and competition, Hudak said, ranging from the sale, partial sale or greater private franchising of non-core assets like the LCBO. The province should also end the Beer Store monopoly and allow sales in corner or grocery stores.
“Options like these that work successfully in other places could help Ontario raise significant funds to pay down debt, enabling investments in critical infrastructure that could kick-start our economy and encourage private sector job creation.”
On Thursday, Hudak and the Ontario PC Caucus will release its sixth policy paper called A New Deal for the Public Sector. The paper will lay out a series of reforms to focus government on the core services that matter most to taxpayers, to deliver more value for less money..
(Niagara At Large invites you to share your views on this post below. Please Note that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.)
Niagara At Large 
Certainly worth an investigation and debate. They are going to spend another $100 million to open up new LCBO outlets….privatizing seems like an interesting option.
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I prefer to keep the LCBO. It’s not like booze is an essential commodity. Start selling it every corner store and there will be robberies and more alcohol abuse. If you can’t get to an LCBO, it’s not like your life will end. As far as I’m concerned, booze and cigarettes can’t be expensive enough. Put taxes on that crap instead of on foodstuffs, services and other essentials.
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Great! Hudak tries to revive another old Mike Harris canard.
The facts show that in jurisdictions where booze stores have been privatized the benefits derived from funds from liquor sales go down in tandem with lost revenue, while the problems associated with alcohol abuse go up.
Only in a Topsy Turvy Tory world would this be a good idea. Time for Tim to join his mentor Mike Harris in retirement.
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The Americanization of Ontario and Canada is what Timmy is seeking. I hope he never ever gets close to having an opportunity! I am conservative, but this guy scares the bejabbers out of me!
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Hudak if elected will set this province back into the 19th century and He will do this by catering to the whims of the very Right Wing Conservatives, Corporations and the 1% who basically control the wealth of the country. Every Social program in the net has a cost whether it be Health Care, Old Age Pensions, Child allowances Disability Pensions, Welfare and the list goes on and on BUT these were put in place by our fore fathers through hard work and sacrifice to enhance our lives.and they cry to be enshrined
If these people get elected Gated Communities will fill Ontario and the rich shall live luxurious while the common folk fight to pay for food housing and medications.
Senator Ralph Nader hated by the “Elite” once stated “It matters not whether one votes Democrat or Republican they are both Corporate Parties” Well the same might be said about the Liberals and the Conservatives here in Canada…….Amen
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Much as it pains me to say it, Joseph Somers may be correct about the Liberals and Conservatives being “Corporate Parties.”
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An article in the Star today quoted stats that liquor prices actually are highest, alcohol abuse increased, underage drinking facilitated and drunk driving more prevalent in BC and Alberta where privatization has occurred.As well, the LCBO tends to promote local wineries and breweries which would otherwise have less exposure. Why then would privatization be a benefit? The government revenues lost would be in the millions.
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Joe is right, and if corporations are people, they are sociopaths. It doesn’t pain me to say that.
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Ontario PCs should do themselves and their party a favour and buy Tim Hudak a brain. The LCBO makes money for the government; it’s played an important role in promoting Ontario wines, thereby supporting what has become an important industry in this province. The religion of “the private sector ALWAYS does it better and cheaper” is just that: a matter of faith, not fact. I’m not a proponent of big government, and there is much — far too much — that this government has messed up. But for goodness sakes let’s focus on what really needs overhauling, and leave the LCBO alone.
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