The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) today launched a new website in its public awareness campaign opposing the privatization of the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) warehouse and distribution service.
The website, DontDropPublicLiquor.ca, outlines the merits of the LDB system that has served British Columbians for decades. It also explains BCGEU proposals to increase LDB revenue to help pay for public services.
BCGEU president Darryl Walker said, "It makes no sense to sell off this important revenue-generating public asset.
"In the last five years, the liquor distribution and retail system contributed $4.3 billion to help pay for public services such as health care, education and highways. Next year alone, it will generate more than $900 million for public services."
The union said the government has presented no business case for the sell-off of the LDB. There was no public consultation on the privatization of the LDB and none is planned.
"The mix of rural agency stores, privately operated neighbourhood stores and government liquor stores with consistent provincewide prices, all supported by central distribution, works well for consumers," said Walker.
"The LDB system should not be fractured."
