Coalition seeks to keep Manitoba liquor sales out of private hands

An online and social media coalition has come together to oppose the privatisation of liquor sales in Manitoba. The coalition, which includes Mothers Against Drunk Driving and organized labour, says privatization would drive down wages, weaken screening of minors, see profits leave Manitoba instead of being invested in education and other public programmes, and undermine responsible-driving and addiction counseling programs. A similar plan to privatise 40 liquor stores in Saskatchewan would cost $115 million in public profits in the first five years alone, according to the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU).