Efforts are underway to try and stop the privatization of B.C.’s Liquor Distribution Branch.
The B.C. Government and Service Employees Union has launched a petition campaign targeting the possible selling off of LDB’s warehouses.
“We want to educate the public because many don’t know what’s going on,” said Diane Hamilton, a retired worker who is volunteering with the campaign.
The union claims that selling off the warehouses to private interests could lead to higher liquor prices and less selection for consumers.
“The biggest impact is less revenue going back into the province, which means less money for health care and education,” said Wanda Klassen- Roth, second vice-president.
“It’s an asset of British Columbians and British Columbians should be asked before there are changes.”
Mark Olsen, Vernon-Monashee NDP candidate, says the Liberal government is pushing to have a deal by March 1, just a few months before an election.
“Whoever becomes government will have to deal with a 10-year contract and not know what’s involved with it,” he said.
“Make it an election issue. Give voters a choice.”
On Friday, the government unveiled a shortlist of proponents for the proposed privatization of warehouses and distribution services.
Based on the six submissions received, the shortlist includes ContainerWorld Forwarding Services, Exel Canada, Kuehne & Nagel and Metro Supply Chain Group.
“The B.C. government is currently exploring what might be possible and will only move forward if a better service delivery model can be provided by the private sector,” states a government release.
“Any new system would have to demonstrate itself to be more effective and efficient, and provide lower overall costs to government.”
The government also states that liquor pricing is not a part of the process.
It’s anticipated that a decision will be made by the government in October.
