The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is urging municipal leaders to opt-out of private cannabis stores.
President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said he hopes civic politicians in Ontario won’t be fooled by Doug Ford’s “laughable” attempt to bribe them into supporting what he calls an irresponsible scheme to privatize cannabis sales. The government is offering the province’s nearly 450 municipalities $40 million to cover costs associated with legalized pot.
“The ‘support’ being offered by Ford’s government might generate a couple of headlines,” Thomas said. “But in the court of public opinion that demands keeping kids and communities safe, the Premier just shot an air ball.”
Thomas pointed to the increase in costs municipalities will be on the hook for in things like policing and public health.
“This puny payout is laughable,” said Thomas. “Municipal leaders should contact Doug Ford and demand a responsible public plan."
OPSEU claimed the Premier’s Office knows that Ontarians want the LCBO to handle cannabis sales because it’s tried, tested, and true.
Thomas said this latest insult from Ford should serve as a rallying call for mayors and councillors across the province.
“Municipal leaders have the power to save the province from yet another privatization disaster,” said Thomas. “They can still vote to opt-out of private cannabis and demand that the province roll out a responsible plan that allows municipalities to choose the LCBO as their cannabis retailer.”
