Premier Puts NSLC Jobs at Risk with Potential Expansion of Where Alcohol Can Be Purchased

This article appears in the post-convention issue of the Union Stand.

On May 29, the province announced they would be initiating a consultation process and public opinion poll to gather input into expanding where alcohol can be purchased and where it can be consumed.

The government said that due to the tariff war with the American government and the move to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers it was a good time to explore where people can buy and consume alcohol.

The move towards privatization of alcohol sales in Nova Scotia is not a new idea. However, it has generally been dismissed because of the strength and efficiency of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).

The NSLC is a crown corporation that ensures the safe and responsible sale of alcohol in the province. It also provides good paying jobs, with pensions and benefits to people in communities throughout Nova Scotia.

The NSGEU represents individuals working in both the main distribution center and in NSLC stores. Any move by government to privatize alcohol sales puts these good jobs at risk.

The union, upon hearing about the government’s consultation, went into action to develop a communications plan to put this issue into its full context. A social media campaign was developed and launched asking the government to ‘Put a Cork in Privatization’ and to “Keep Liquor Sales Public’.

The thrust of the campaign is that Nova Scotians benefit greatly from the NSLC and moving away from that model puts NSLC jobs, public health, and provincial revenue at risk.

The NSLC is a crown corporation which means that all profits go back into provincial revenue. That money is used to fund health care, education, build infrastructure and invest in the priorities of Nova Scotians. The NSLC puts over $280 million annually into the provincial bank account. Moving towards a model of privatization puts that revenue at risk.

The NSLC also provides the public with trained staff who protect the public health with ID checks and ensures the safe and responsible sale of alcohol in our communities. They also offer a wide and expansive choice of products to select from. People can buy the wines, beers, and liquor they want. Access to alcohol is not a barrier for people.

Then there is the issue of good jobs. The NSLC is a good employer that provides its employees with pension and benefits, and these aren’t just Halifax based jobs. The NSLC employs people in communities throughout the province. Good rural jobs will be put at risk under a model of privatization.

The NSGEU took part in the consultation process. On June 20, NSGEU President Sandra Mullen, First VP Hugh Gillis, Executive Director Nicole McKim and other staff meet with the consultation team. During this meeting the NSGEU laid out the arguments against privatization and advocated on behalf of the members working at the NSLC.

There is currently not a barrier to access for people to purchase alcohol in the province. Through NSLC stores, NSLC Express locations and the use of smaller agency stores people can purchase their choice of liquor close to home.

In a time of economic uncertainty why would the government give up a consistent and reliable revenue stream? All money raised by the NSLC goes back into public spending. Under this system all Nova Scotians benefit. Selling off that revenue stream means profits go into corporate bank accounts and only the corporation benefits.

This is really a time when the province can afford to reduce revenue and put good jobs at risk?

The government public opinion survey and stakeholder consultation closed on June 30. The province is now waiting for the reports and results.

This government has earned a reputation for withholding these kinds of reports and data so it will be interesting to see how much is released publicly.

Regardless of the results the union will advocate to keep liquor sales public and will stand up to protect these jobs. The union views the NSLC as a good employer and a socially responsible partner in the sale of alcohol. The union is ready to hold government accountable and ensure that all Nova Scotians continue to benefit from responsible alcohol sales.