Editor:
Coastal residents can expect to see still higher beer, wine and liquor prices and licensed retailers will see their profit margins squeezed if the Liberals' privatization of liquor distribution warehousing to a private 10-year liquor distribution monopoly proceeds.
Despite the fact the Liquor Distribution Branch is well run, socially responsible and profitable, returning almost $1 billion in revenue to provincial coffers to pay for infrastructure, health and social programs, the Liberals seem bent on succumbing to the entreaties of well-placed political donors. Given that no business plan has been put forward to justify the privatization, one might wonder why the Liberals would consider such a scheme? Follow the money.
In June of 2011, then Solicitor General Shirley Bond stated the government had no interest in privatizing liquor distribution.That changed around Aug. 25, after Bond met with representatives of Exel Logistics, now short-listed for the feast.
In September, Scott Lyons, VP of Exel Logistics, made a $3,500 donation to the Liberals to help sweeten the pitch. Importantly, Patrick Kinsella of Progressive Strategies, a backroom operative from both the Bill Bennett and Gordon Campbell governments, is the registered lobbyist for Exel.
Elections BC records that from 2005 to April 2012 Progressive and Kinsella donated over $100,000 to the BC Liberals as well as $20,000 to Christy Clark's leadership campaign.
The BCGEU, representing liquor store and warehousing employees, is seeking support for a moratorium on the privatization and the establishment of a public process to seek public input and discussion of the issues.
Both Gibsons council and the Sunshine Coast Regional District passed resolutions supporting the moratorium call and creation of a public process. Sadly, on Aug. 1, Sechelt council rejected the motion, moved by Coun. Lutes, seconded by Coun. Shanks, by a vote of 4-3, with Coun. Siegers also in support.
Jef Keighley, Halfmoon Bay
