David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 49 others
Methinks Mr Higgs knows who gave Mr Austin this big idea N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/02/peoples-alliance-pushes-for-private.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/peoples-alliance-cannabis-liquor-private-sales-1.5032291
People's Alliance pushes for private liquor, cannabis retail system
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David Amos
Methinks Mr Higgs knows who gave Mr Austin this big idea N'esy Pas?
Shawn McShane
At private stores the prices are higher, less selection and the pay is minimum wage.
Bottle of Yellowtail shiraz: BC public liq $12.99; BC private liq $15.15; Alberta private liq $13.56
Absolute vodka: BC public liq $26.49; BC private liq $28.60; Alberta $28.60
6 bottle Corona beer: BC public liq $12.99; BC private $15.58; Alberta $15.01
Private alcohol sales: Western provinces well-seasoned in private alcohol sales
The Star
Bottle of Yellowtail shiraz: BC public liq $12.99; BC private liq $15.15; Alberta private liq $13.56
Absolute vodka: BC public liq $26.49; BC private liq $28.60; Alberta $28.60
6 bottle Corona beer: BC public liq $12.99; BC private $15.58; Alberta $15.01
Private alcohol sales: Western provinces well-seasoned in private alcohol sales
The Star
Marc Martin
@Shawn McShane
Well for once I agree with you shanny.
Well for once I agree with you shanny.
David Amos
@Shawn McShane Who cares?
Albert Wade
@Shawn McShane Kirkland Vodka Costco Myrtly Beach, 1.75 l, $12.99 US$
David Stairs
@Shawn McShane this increase in price is directly related to the NDP….prices out west were always lower than here ...
@Shawn McShane
I don't care about the prices, what are people gonna cry for next that the BigMac at McDonalds is too expensive ??
I don't care about the prices, what are people gonna cry for next that the BigMac at McDonalds is too expensive ??
Sylvius Salvarian
When Alberta privatized its
stores, the private stores employed more people, had lower prices,
better selection, and longer hours.
Shawn McShane
@Sylvius Salvarian Liquor privatization: Did Albertans get what was promised?
A bottle of liquor was now being marked up twice: once by the government that purchased the liquor from the agent, and then again by the retailer. Albertans are worse off after two decades of privatization because they are paying higher prices at private liquor stores than publicly owned ones at the same time that the government is receiving less tax revenue.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Liquor+privatization+Albertans+what+promised/8827230/story.html
A bottle of liquor was now being marked up twice: once by the government that purchased the liquor from the agent, and then again by the retailer. Albertans are worse off after two decades of privatization because they are paying higher prices at private liquor stores than publicly owned ones at the same time that the government is receiving less tax revenue.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Liquor+privatization+Albertans+what+promised/8827230/story.html
Sylvius Salvarian
@Shawn McShane
Convenience and selection and higher employment beg to differ.
Convenience and selection and higher employment beg to differ.
David Amos
@Sylvius Salvarian Oh So True
Sean Onuaillain
We are broke. Why would we
give up $150M plus dollars a year in profit that can go to services or
to the debt? This is not the tax revenue, this is profit. The tax
revenue is on top of that. We'd be insane to do that based on ideology.
Once we have decent roads and bridges, a reliable power transmission
system, an education system that works, a social welfare system that
doesn't kill kids in its care and are debt free then sell away. But
right now we need the money.
Les Cooper
@Sean Onuaillain there will
still be taxes on alcohol. Just won't have to pay union jobs big money,
pay for all the buildings needed to sell alcohol. And my jobs for
English people! It would save us money and carbon footprint would
decrease
Sean Onuaillain
@Les Cooper The $150 million is profit not taxes. The taxes the province takes in are on top of that.
The liqour corp does not cost us anything. After expenses we make $150 million plus, and whatever the tax haul is.
The liqour corp does not cost us anything. After expenses we make $150 million plus, and whatever the tax haul is.
Fred Brewer
@Sean Onuaillain
And why on earth would you think we could not make even more money by privatizing? It has worked in the US and it has worked in Alberta. Why not wait until the bean-counters tell us if privatization works? Let the AG audit any deal prior to privatization. If the numbers make sense then do it.
And why on earth would you think we could not make even more money by privatizing? It has worked in the US and it has worked in Alberta. Why not wait until the bean-counters tell us if privatization works? Let the AG audit any deal prior to privatization. If the numbers make sense then do it.
Shawn McShane
@Sean Onuaillain I agree,
don't see how privatizing grows the economy when they hire less people,
pay minimum wage and charge customers more.
Shawn McShane
@Fred Brewer Bean counters did it already for Ontario:. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/12/04/private_alcohol_sales_western_provinces_wellseasoned_in_private_alcohol_sales.html
David Amos
@Shawn McShane "Bean counters did it already for Ontario"
Too Funny
Google
David Amos Beancounters
Too Funny
David Amos Beancounters
Les Cooper
The prices would not
increase. Because there is more competition and can be run cheaper then
the government. That Union guys on crack.
David Amos
@Les Cooper Methinks there is nothing like competition to keep the prices down N'esy Pas?
Les Cooper
@David Amos what???
Arnold Stone
how many times has the
government changed and some Service NB and some liquor stores change
addresses, also some places sell beer privately but NB Liquor or
ultimately the NB Government decides who gets the license, remember the
fiasco on Hanwell Rd when a business from outside Fredericton was
chosen over a store that has been in the area for years, if private
owned stores can get a license then any private store should be given a
license
David Amos
@Arnold Stone I recall that
nonsense up on the Hanwell very well. Methinks it easily affirmed the
old adage "Everything political is always about the money"N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Arnold Stone Seems that the Powers That Be did not like me recalling the Hanwell nonsense as well
Les Cooper
And like Alberta
Costco has a liquor store and prices are awesome.
Costco has a liquor store and prices are awesome.
David Amos
@Les Cooper Imagine that
Les Cooper
Alberta has been privatized
for years. They follow the same guidelines as the government would and
alcohol is cheaper and you don't have to be a government employee to
work there.
Content disabled.
David Amos
@Les Cooper Therein lies the
rub Methinks every unionized government employee will oppose this for
fear that they get the boot next The NDP may rise from the ashes much to
the chagrin of its former leader Mr Minister Cardy N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@David Amos Oh my isn't that a telling thing?
Rosco holt
Before privatizing anything,
it should be researched and have a realistic plan of what can be
expected and how much money can be made or lost, depending of the
scenario.
Only then it could be considered.
Only then it could be considered.
David Amos
@Rosco holt Why put good money after bad in an effort to delay the matter further?
Les Cooper
@Rosco holt they have researched the **** out of everything in NB including this. It works and saves people $$$
Rosco holt
@Les Cooper
First we are not Alberta in size, population or wages.
What works there may not work here.
I'm not interested in losing services and/ or paying more taxes it this idea craps.
Any decision government takes can/ is influenced by lobbying & money.
The province's economy is bleeding money( a large chunk of it goes to Bermuda).
And yes I'm against it, until it can be proven that we will not lose. I don't care about cheap booze or better choice just to please some drinkers.
First we are not Alberta in size, population or wages.
What works there may not work here.
I'm not interested in losing services and/ or paying more taxes it this idea craps.
Any decision government takes can/ is influenced by lobbying & money.
The province's economy is bleeding money( a large chunk of it goes to Bermuda).
And yes I'm against it, until it can be proven that we will not lose. I don't care about cheap booze or better choice just to please some drinkers.
Marc Martin
@Les Cooper
Its saves you money on liquor but the revenue they will be losing will come out of your taxes why is this so hard to understand ??
Its saves you money on liquor but the revenue they will be losing will come out of your taxes why is this so hard to understand ??
M Joan Leuty
Sorry I do not want privately
run stores for these products. Keep it in government hands to enforce
age restrictions and no sales to the already impaired. Plus, convenience
stores etc get robbed more often in places where they carry alcohol.
Private canabis stores also are reported as being held up. Gov't only
sales also prevents organized crime from being involved.
Rob Mason
@M Joan Leuty rubbish!
David Amos
@M Joan Leuty Spoken like a true political pundit
Jeff LeBlanc
@M Joan Leuty facts to back
up your liquor robbery theory. I don't recall Salisbury or Memramcook
agency stores being robbed recently or any other for that matter.
Rob Mason
@M Joan Leuty this reasoning would also apply to tobacco as well. Should we have all tobacco sold in Government stores as well?
Colin Seeley
@M Joan Leuty
I think I saw wines for sale at the Superstores.
I think I saw wines for sale at the Superstores.
Sylvius Salvarian
@M Joan Leuty
When Alberta privatized its stores, it caused an increase in the number of stores, the stories being open for longer hours, better selection, and the stores employed more people.
There was no downside, except for the unions. But the workers did better, as thousands more people had jobs.
When Alberta privatized its stores, it caused an increase in the number of stores, the stories being open for longer hours, better selection, and the stores employed more people.
There was no downside, except for the unions. But the workers did better, as thousands more people had jobs.
Les Cooper
@Colin Seeley baby steps lol. Got to catch up with the rest of Canada! Lol
Doug Campbell
@M Joan Leuty
This is very naïve.
The incursions by the Mafia into the current legal Rec cannabis industry have been well reported on. What you consider safe from organized crime is actually the opposite, a wide open door where organized crime in collusion with corrupt politicians and a coterie of mercenary LPs are actually keeping the mom and pop shops tht could happen in a free market from existing.
Everything you espouse as ethical is actually the inverse.
This is very naïve.
The incursions by the Mafia into the current legal Rec cannabis industry have been well reported on. What you consider safe from organized crime is actually the opposite, a wide open door where organized crime in collusion with corrupt politicians and a coterie of mercenary LPs are actually keeping the mom and pop shops tht could happen in a free market from existing.
Everything you espouse as ethical is actually the inverse.
Marigold French
David Amos
Harold Benson
Excellent idea.
Content disabled.
David Amos
@Harold Benson Methinks Sam thinks so too N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@David Amos Obviously not
Mark (Junkman) George
Major problem:
Our wonderful government has signed 10 year, very expensive, leases for those pot stores. Leases so expensive, no one in their right mind, would ever assume............
I would suspect those fancy new liquor stores are the same.
So, if we privatize, we will be on the hook for leases, and paying to retire the unionized workers.
We're talking money too big to sweep under the rug.
I'm *thinking* we best get used to no revenue from pot, or liquor, sales.
Our wonderful government has signed 10 year, very expensive, leases for those pot stores. Leases so expensive, no one in their right mind, would ever assume............
I would suspect those fancy new liquor stores are the same.
So, if we privatize, we will be on the hook for leases, and paying to retire the unionized workers.
We're talking money too big to sweep under the rug.
I'm *thinking* we best get used to no revenue from pot, or liquor, sales.
daryl doucette
@Mark (Junkman) George Who " owns" the stores George? Probably a " numbered" company?
David Amos
@Mark (Junkman) George Good Point
David Amos
@daryl doucette No doubt
Mark (Junkman) George
@daryl doucette
As to who owns the stores, I simply do not know. It was in the news story where the head man was stepping down, but when I went back to look it had magically disappeared. If I remember correctly, we are on the hook for 5.5 million a year, for 10 years, for those stand alone pot stores. And we wonder why there is no profit?
As to who owns the stores, I simply do not know. It was in the news story where the head man was stepping down, but when I went back to look it had magically disappeared. If I remember correctly, we are on the hook for 5.5 million a year, for 10 years, for those stand alone pot stores. And we wonder why there is no profit?
Chris McNee
I read the article from the
Fraser institute about the success that happend when Alberta did the
deregulation of the selling of Alchol. It would make sense to allow
corner stores to sell alchol just as they have been selling tobacco.
They already have the market available and it would cut the wages the
province is paying into NB liquor. It might work? But it would also
cause job losses also. Give the article a read it’s independent and
pretty straight forward.
David Amos
@Chris McNee "But it would also cause job losses also"
Who cares?
Methinks we have far too many riding on the government gravy train anyway N'esy Pas?
Who cares?
Methinks we have far too many riding on the government gravy train anyway N'esy Pas?
Chris McNee
@David Amos I would Care. It’s horrible when people lose there jobs for what ever reason.
David Amos
@Chris McNee Methinks you must work for the government N'esy Pas?
Chris McNee
@David Amos Youthinks wrong. Just a retired soldier here who does not work for the goverment.
Joe campbell
One only has to look at Alberta to see the results https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/success-albertas-liquor-store-privatization-lesson-other-provinces
Chris McNee
@Joe campbell awesome point
you made with viable study work done. I personally don’t drink much but
it looks like it could save the province money.
Joe campbell
@Chris McNee crazy that it
went from 220 government locations to 1980 private locations plus ex
employee's had a chance to buy in
David Amos
@Joe campbell I concur
Rj LeBlanc
I think maybe Austin had a toke before he made that statement?
Gil Murray
@Rj LeBlanc Why so? Would it
be so bad to reduce cost at the distribution level and maintain control
over the corporate structure? I am not sure that eliminating the
existing government owned distribution network and setting royalty
revenue at at a less-cost rate would not be a better model. Why is that
so evil?
Content disabled.
David Amos
@Rj LeBlanc Tut Tut Tut
@Gil Murray
And the money we would loose in profits where do you think they would come and take it from ?
And the money we would loose in profits where do you think they would come and take it from ?
@Rj LeBlanc Now play nice kids
Gerry Blais
Keep It Simple Stupid. Leave everything the way it is.
David Amos
@Gerry Blais Methinks you should have voted for the KISS Party N'esy Pas?
Harold Benson
@Gerry Blais Except open the beer store at 8 am.
Les Cooper
@Gerry Blais that's why New Brunswick is messed up now
JJ Carrier
CoR Lite and liquor/drugs
should not mix...that's how they secured enough votes for their MLAs in
the first place...Austin, a former failed minister, is preaching on
addiction consumables as a benefit...Next thing you know he will want
to make Nackawic part of the States...
Marc Martin
@JJ Carrier
LOL
LOL
David Amos
@JJ Carrier Methinks the Irving Clan should affirm that Nackawic is controlled by a company based in India N'esy Pas?
Rosco holt
So much for Austin's commen sense.
Marc Martin
@Rosco holt
Exactly.....
Exactly.....
David Amos
@Rosco holt Methinks Austin
doesn't have much common sense either but Mr Higgs and the SANB know
what has concerned me since 2010 is the pastor's severe lack of ethics
N'esy Pas?
Joseph Vacher
YES YES YES a THOUSAND TIMES YES!!!!
David Amos
@Joseph Vacher It worked out well for Alberta
stephen blunston
this is a great idea for
everyone other than the over paid that work in these locations , but
maybe prices will get reasonable and people may buy more government is
terrible at retail operations they cost to much and lose money
Marc Martin
@stephen blunston
Its a great idea for people who have no idea how to make money....
*but maybe prices will get reasonable*
Yes lets get better prices on beer , let the province take money from somewhere else like health and education......your a genius !!!
*retail operations they cost to much and lose money*
No they don't NB Liquor makes million in revenues across NB.
Its a great idea for people who have no idea how to make money....
*but maybe prices will get reasonable*
Yes lets get better prices on beer , let the province take money from somewhere else like health and education......your a genius !!!
*retail operations they cost to much and lose money*
No they don't NB Liquor makes million in revenues across NB.
David Amos
@stephen blunston YUP
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin "No they don't NB Liquor makes million in revenues across NB."
This is a true statement, they would make even more if they didn't have the overhead of stores and all the associated costs.
Government would only relinquish the retail side, they would maintain distribution and the private sector would still collect and remit the sin tax to the government coffers. Kapich (your word in a previous reply) Perhaps Comprend is a better term?
This is a true statement, they would make even more if they didn't have the overhead of stores and all the associated costs.
Government would only relinquish the retail side, they would maintain distribution and the private sector would still collect and remit the sin tax to the government coffers. Kapich (your word in a previous reply) Perhaps Comprend is a better term?
Rosco holt
@Rob Mason
Since when has government done anything correctly?
Politicians would screw any privatization up.
Since when has government done anything correctly?
Politicians would screw any privatization up.
Rob Mason
@Rosco holt that is the
beauty they can't screw it up. Close down NBLC and hand it to the
private sector, let them manage the market within the current rules and
regulations. They collect and remit the sin tax, and no government
stores or employees involved. Tax Revenue would remain the same while
fixed costs would decrease, this would result in more $$$ for Gov
coffers.
Les Cooper
@Rosco holt they can't screwed up if they don't own it LOL and you don't have to be French to work there LOL
Rosco holt
@Les Cooper
Government can't screw it up, why are we paying tariffs of softwood when we didn't before?
Where's the politicians, there's politicking and it usually goes wrong.
Government can't screw it up, why are we paying tariffs of softwood when we didn't before?
Where's the politicians, there's politicking and it usually goes wrong.
Natalie Pugh
@Marc Martin
"Yes lets get better prices on beer , let the province take money from somewhere else like health and education......your a genius"
NO, lets take money from ridiculous, useless duality! Health, Education are number one priority!
"Yes lets get better prices on beer , let the province take money from somewhere else like health and education......your a genius"
NO, lets take money from ridiculous, useless duality! Health, Education are number one priority!
Marc Martin
@Natalie Pugh
Useless to you maybe...
Useless to you maybe...
Shannon D Randall
@stephen blunston . Great
what is your definition of over paid? I guess anyone working retail
deserves min wage, you must be some sort of elitist. You think mega
corporations are going to lower prices? They will decrease wages like it
seems you would like to see but you my friend likely will pay the same
if not more while more NB wickers become the working poor.
Pierre Cyr
So while Austin lamented his
wife making 13$ an hour in healthcare on Terry Seguin's radio show he
thinks its alright for retail workers. NB would lose billions and
hundreds of good paying jobs as Alberta has to private for profit,
likely out of province corporations. Not that in province private for
profit corporations pay much tax already. Cannabis will be 2-3x what NB
liquor is. Handing them both to the private sector would gut gov
revenues at a time when we supposedly cant afford it. Neo liberals in
various political parties again cant keep their messages straight. They
like to panic the population over the debt then engineer even worse
future debts and loss of services when in power.
Dan Lee
@Pierre Cyr
I agree ..why would we give private companies our tax dollars.....we paid for theses stores .....
I agree ..why would we give private companies our tax dollars.....we paid for theses stores .....
David Amos
@Pierre Cyr "They like to
panic the population over the debt then engineer even worse future debts
and loss of services when in power."
Methinks everybody knows that is a big part of the wicked game N'esy Pas?
Methinks everybody knows that is a big part of the wicked game N'esy Pas?
Rob Mason
Governments at all levels
need to stop treating us adults as children. Leave more $$$ is the
taxpayer pockets, people can best decide what to do with it not a waste
prone government. People will spend, save, invest give to charity,
whatever they choose, let US decide not the government!!
David Amos
@Rob Mason Good Luck with that
Jeff LeBlanc
I'm not defending anything
run by the NB Goverent and am a fan of privatized liquor but CNB is a
new entity with a lot of start up costs so did anyone really expect them
to make a lot of money in less than a year? I certainly didn't.
Rosco holt
@Jeff LeBlanc
I'm against it, the profit the crown corp bring goes to the province. It won't if privatized. Millions would be lost and government will recoop that lost in our pockets.
I'm against it, the profit the crown corp bring goes to the province. It won't if privatized. Millions would be lost and government will recoop that lost in our pockets.
Marc Martin
@Rosco holt
Exactly..well said.
Exactly..well said.
Joseph Vacher
@Jeff LeBlanc who can't make money selling drus?
Jeff LeBlanc
@Joseph Vacher give it time it's been less than less than 6 month's. Ever hear of start up costs?
Jake Devries
@Joseph Vacher the Libs
David Amos
@Rosco holt I diasagree
Rob Mason
@Rosco holt obviously you
have little to no understanding how the Alberta system works. Your above
statement is patently false, taxes would still be charged and remitted
to the government. Without having to pay for the overhead of stores,
employees, etc the province would collect MORE not less.
Rosco holt
@Rob Mason
Simple, it has to do NB politicians. They wouldn't get what best for the province, but give sweet deal to their friends like always.
Politicians don't look after the interest of the province or it's citizen, but their own and that of their party/ backers.
Simple, it has to do NB politicians. They wouldn't get what best for the province, but give sweet deal to their friends like always.
Politicians don't look after the interest of the province or it's citizen, but their own and that of their party/ backers.
Rosco holt
@Rob Mason
Also, keep in mind that the profits most likely won't stay in the province, but go elsewhere.
And I'm not talking about taxes, but the in-store mark ups. The province won't make up the salary/ jobs lost.
Also, keep in mind that the profits most likely won't stay in the province, but go elsewhere.
And I'm not talking about taxes, but the in-store mark ups. The province won't make up the salary/ jobs lost.
Rob Mason
@Rosco holt so the guy
running the corner store will ship his profits offshore? The lost union
jobs would be made up in quick order, the private sector model would
ensure it. Unions are a "business" like any other, when they lose
members, they lose revenue. Does anyone really believe their cry of
"think of the children" when supporting the monopoly?
Rosco holt
@Rob Mason
Do you really think government will let it to small operators?
I don't, they like to go big.
Do you really think government will let it to small operators?
I don't, they like to go big.
Colin Seeley
Beer needs to be sold in private stores as well.
Wines could be sold privately in the pot stores which should be private as well.
Govt stores could sell all 3 but have their numbers reduced.
Why do I have to go to a Govt store to buy beer ?
Wines could be sold privately in the pot stores which should be private as well.
Govt stores could sell all 3 but have their numbers reduced.
Why do I have to go to a Govt store to buy beer ?
David Amos
@Colin Seeley Perhaps its for your benefit in order to slow down your consumption
Matt Steele
The Cannabis N.B. roll out
was just another giant boondoggle by Brian Gallant and the SANB
controlled Liberal Party . Gallant was so focused on getting his SANB
buddies jobs , that he totally ignored the business model . Those
Cannibis outlets should have been incorporated into the current liquor
stores which were already built and staffed....but Gallant wanted his
buddies to get building contracts and jobs at the new stores . So now
the TAXPAYERS are left paying for another Brian Gallant mess ......it
just never seems to end . Welcome to N.B. ; Canada's " ONLY " officially
bilingual province !!!
Rosco holt
@Matt Steele
The Conservative aren't any different. They give contracts and job to their friends also.
The Conservative aren't any different. They give contracts and job to their friends also.
David Amos
@Rosco holt True
Jeff LeBlanc
Makes a good headline but just like NB Liquor it will never happen. Not in this bass ackwards province.
David Amos
@Jeff LeBlanc True
Fred Brewer
"Government's the only entity I'm aware of that could lose money selling marijuana."
The above statement says it all. If you cannot do the job, then step aside and let private companies do the job for you.
The above statement says it all. If you cannot do the job, then step aside and let private companies do the job for you.
David Amos
@Fred Brewer YUP
Paul Bourgoin
Could it be that the people
behind this article are the ones interested in buying the Pot and Liquor
sales in New Brunswick? or maybe the CoRservative?
David Amos
@Paul Bourgoin This is a CBC article Need I say more?
William Reed
Takers want to take more. Of course the rich would love to own these revenue streams.
These things only really have the public's blessing because we can collectively profit/benefit from our own wants. No one without direct skin in the game is interested in seeing the market in these things falling into private hands. Privatizing things means concentrating ownership of them in time. Beer and dope sales would simply come to fill the pockets of foreigners after the locals cashed out. In many ways it's a pyramid scheme once it's out of the public's hands. The last thing the world needs is more concentration of wealth in private hands. As it is now we already have humans with more money than they know how to spend looking for thing to buy to grow their fortunes.
These things only really have the public's blessing because we can collectively profit/benefit from our own wants. No one without direct skin in the game is interested in seeing the market in these things falling into private hands. Privatizing things means concentrating ownership of them in time. Beer and dope sales would simply come to fill the pockets of foreigners after the locals cashed out. In many ways it's a pyramid scheme once it's out of the public's hands. The last thing the world needs is more concentration of wealth in private hands. As it is now we already have humans with more money than they know how to spend looking for thing to buy to grow their fortunes.
Colin Seeley
@William Reed
Sounds like a shout out to emulate China.
Sounds like a shout out to emulate China.
David Amos
@Colin Seeley Methinks you forgot that Trudeau The Younger admires the Chinese way of doing business N'esy Pas?
William Reed
@Colin Seeley
China is an authoritative state that employs capitalism for its own ends. We allow capitalism to indirectly create that sort of environment here. The capitalists are running nothing more than private little dictatorships that are getting to be as large as entire countries, economically speaking. Without really appreciating it our de facto system is authoritarian too. You do what the owners want or you don't get to work for them.
China is an authoritative state that employs capitalism for its own ends. We allow capitalism to indirectly create that sort of environment here. The capitalists are running nothing more than private little dictatorships that are getting to be as large as entire countries, economically speaking. Without really appreciating it our de facto system is authoritarian too. You do what the owners want or you don't get to work for them.
Paul Bourgoin
If NB can't manage a liquor
store in New Brunswick for profit, with no competition, the same with
POT why should we abandon the stores? Maybe the Province should fire
the supervision, management, the slackers and clean up that Management
ladder. Somewhere someone is making money but not New Brunswick WHY?
Colin Seeley
@Paul Bourgoin
Too much overhead .
Too much overhead .
stephen blunston
@Paul Bourgoin over priced and incompitant management like all NB crown corps I still think NB power may be the worst run
David Amos
@Paul Bourgoin Methinks you answered your own question N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
*Austin said he's been in contact with the Blaine Higgs's Progressive Conservative government and it is receptive to the idea.*
How is that not surprising....the CoRservative leader listening to his boss...
How is that not surprising....the CoRservative leader listening to his boss...
Mack Leigh
@Marc Martin
Perhaps your focus should change to ideas which will actually improve the quality of life here in NB rather than your paranoid rantings due to your fear of losing your seat at the feeding trough of government......
Perhaps your focus should change to ideas which will actually improve the quality of life here in NB rather than your paranoid rantings due to your fear of losing your seat at the feeding trough of government......
Rosco holt
@Mack Leigh
How would privatizing NB Liquor improve the quality of life in the province exactly?
How would privatizing NB Liquor improve the quality of life in the province exactly?
Jake Devries
@Rosco holt another anchor released from our necks
Rosco holt
@Jake Devries
How about we deep six the Cons and the liberals instead?
Stop giving resources and money to private entities that does not have trouble making money.
How about we deep six the Cons and the liberals instead?
Stop giving resources and money to private entities that does not have trouble making money.
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin @Marc Martin
your clear Liberal bias is showing again. If this was a NDP statement
you would have no issue with it. The Peoples Alliance was the bogeyman
who was going to roll back all things Francophone, hasn't happened,
won't happen.
Your cheer leading while predictable is wearing thin.
Your cheer leading while predictable is wearing thin.
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin well my first two replies were con tent dis abled?
Why are you allowed to criticize political parties and if I mention your obvious hatred for all things PA it is moderated?
Why are you allowed to criticize political parties and if I mention your obvious hatred for all things PA it is moderated?
David Amos
@Rosco holt "How about we deep six the Cons and the liberals instead?"
Methinks that is why I ran for public office six times thus far while most folks just laughed at me because I did not belong to any political party N'esy Pas?
Methinks that is why I ran for public office six times thus far while most folks just laughed at me because I did not belong to any political party N'esy Pas?
Rob Mason
@David Amos perhaps starting
every comment with me thinks is part of the reason no one takes you
seriously? If you want your perspective to be heard, articulate it, "me
thinks" is distracting and offers nothing of value.
David Amos
@Rob Mason Methinks your problem is that I take what you say against me very seriously N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Rob Mason "your clear Liberal bias is showing again."
Methinks your beloved Mr Higgs knows that I never met a Mason who was not a Conservative N'esy Pas?
Methinks your beloved Mr Higgs knows that I never met a Mason who was not a Conservative N'esy Pas?
Rob Mason
@David Amos against you? You
made this statement:"Methinks that is why I ran for public office six
times thus far while most folks just laughed at me because I did not
belong to any political party N'esy Pas?"
I merely offered a reason as to why you are not taken seriously. In my opinion, most here agree "me thinks" does nothing to help you get your point across.
I merely offered a reason as to why you are not taken seriously. In my opinion, most here agree "me thinks" does nothing to help you get your point across.
David Amos
@Rob Mason Methinks not one
Mason ever voted for me but I did have a few spit and chews with Masons
during the aforesaid elections N'esy Pas?
Rob Mason
@David Amos I believe you are
in over your head in most of these discussions, an Anglo Marc!! You
don't know me nor my political leanings, I would point out your Ad
Hominem remark, but would have to wait for you to look it up before you
could reply. Sigh
David Amos
@Rob Mason You picked this fight not I
Rob Mason
@David Amos "not one Mason ever voted for me"
We are perceptive if noting else!
We are perceptive if noting else!
Marc Martin
@Mack Leigh
So selling NB liquor to generate less money for the province and to get ride of good paying jobs = not wanting good quality life for NB ers ?
So selling NB liquor to generate less money for the province and to get ride of good paying jobs = not wanting good quality life for NB ers ?
Marc Martin
@Rob Mason
*The Peoples Alliance was the bogeyman who was going to roll back all things Francophone*
Oh he is trying, its just not working like he planned.
*The Peoples Alliance was the bogeyman who was going to roll back all things Francophone*
Oh he is trying, its just not working like he planned.
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin show me an
example where the PA have tried to roll back any rights. You know a
link, article, citation, etc. Not your perception a verifiable fact.
David Amos
@Rob Mason Methinks from my
perception of verifiable facts I must assume that many would agree that
you and the SANB dude deserve each other N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Rob Mason "show me an example where the PA have tried to roll back any rights. You know a link, article, citation, etc"
Federal Court File No T-1557-15
Federal Court File No T-1557-15
Marc Martin
@Rob Mason
They tried to roll back the ambulance rights....they were proven wrong next !!!!
They tried to roll back the ambulance rights....they were proven wrong next !!!!
Marc Martin
*They brought forward a privatization model which saw increased employment, increased *
Of course everyone will want those minimum salary jobs...
How can any sane people vote for that guy ??
Of course everyone will want those minimum salary jobs...
How can any sane people vote for that guy ??
Fred Brewer
@Marc Martin
Yes, I just love to see my tax dollars being spent on a cashier who makes $30 per hour. *Sarcasm*
Yes, I just love to see my tax dollars being spent on a cashier who makes $30 per hour. *Sarcasm*
@Marc Martin
Careful Marc , your extreme insecurity along with your fear of losing the " minority advantage " is showing again...... Really sad that you feel so threatened and intimidated by Austin and the PANB however speaks volumes as to your true priorities which are not for the majority of people in NB........
Careful Marc , your extreme insecurity along with your fear of losing the " minority advantage " is showing again...... Really sad that you feel so threatened and intimidated by Austin and the PANB however speaks volumes as to your true priorities which are not for the majority of people in NB........
@Mack Leigh Oh So True
Marc Martin
@Fred Brewer
pls show me any cashier who is paid 30$ an hour at NB liquor...you find any.
pls show me any cashier who is paid 30$ an hour at NB liquor...you find any.
Marc Martin
@Mack Leigh
Not intimidated at all, I am speaking the truth, the guys has no education whatsoever in economics and has a bogus platform...
Not intimidated at all, I am speaking the truth, the guys has no education whatsoever in economics and has a bogus platform...
Emery Hyslop-Margison
Absolutely the correct call.
The regulations over liquor sales in particular is ridiculous, a major
inconvenience to consumers, and costs the government revenue. Pull the
plug on NBLCC.
Layton Bennett
@Emery Hyslop-Margison No.
NBLC makes money, in what world would it make any fiscal sense to sell
off a profitable enterprise? I agree that some regulations need to be
changed, but I refuse to say that we should kill off a money making
Crown Corporation.
Marc Martin
@Layton Bennett
Exactly...It would be stupid to get ride of the only crown corporation that makes money for the government so that people pay less for beer...
Exactly...It would be stupid to get ride of the only crown corporation that makes money for the government so that people pay less for beer...
Fred Brewer
@Layton Bennett
You kill off the money-making crown corp when you realize the government can make even more money by privatizing.
You kill off the money-making crown corp when you realize the government can make even more money by privatizing.
Jeff LeBlanc
@Fred Brewer if they sold licenses like they do for tobacco they might be on to something. Less overhead anyway.
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin and @Layton
Bennett The government would still make money. They would collect the
same amount of taxes just less overhead, salaries, pensions, benefits.
The private sector would generate wealth, more jobs, better selection
etc. A government entity never makes money, it only consumes it.
Pierre Cyr
@Rob Mason Those would be
minimum wage jobs with no benefits or pensions (you're celebrating
that?) and the current fair wages would be just more profit for
millionaire operators. IOW just more poverty for a poor province. And
you wonder why the kids are leaving this province.
Marc Martin
@Rob Mason
*The government would still make money*
But not has much that lost would have to be replaced another place kapich ?
*The private sector would generate wealth*
Ha ha ha that made me laugh, they would generate more wealth how ? by giving minimum salary with no benefit ? Tell me genius how would THEY reinvest into the economy ??
*more jobs*
Yes more 11.25 an hour jobs with zero benefits...
*better selection*
Your a beer drinker I can see that, but beer is not a necessity if you can afford it don't buy it.
*A government entity never makes money, it only consumes it.*
NB Liquor is their piggy bank.
*The government would still make money*
But not has much that lost would have to be replaced another place kapich ?
*The private sector would generate wealth*
Ha ha ha that made me laugh, they would generate more wealth how ? by giving minimum salary with no benefit ? Tell me genius how would THEY reinvest into the economy ??
*more jobs*
Yes more 11.25 an hour jobs with zero benefits...
*better selection*
Your a beer drinker I can see that, but beer is not a necessity if you can afford it don't buy it.
*A government entity never makes money, it only consumes it.*
NB Liquor is their piggy bank.
Joseph Vacher
@Layton Bennett except, it doesn't make money lol
Joseph Vacher
@Pierre Cyr :( no 30$ per hour for being a cashier..... makes sense to me
Marc Martin
@Joseph Vacher
No cashier makes 30 an hour.
No cashier makes 30 an hour.
Marc Martin
@Joseph Vacher
Actually it does make million in revenue a year...
Actually it does make million in revenue a year...
Jake Devries
@Pierre Cyr it's a retail job...like Walmart...same skill sets, virtually none...gov't should NEVER be in any retail business..
Rosco holt
@Jake Devries
Government shouldn't be playing banker either. They always bet on the losing horse.
Government shouldn't be playing banker either. They always bet on the losing horse.
Rob Mason
@Pierre Cyr not everyone can
work for the government, someone has to generate wealth and pay taxes.
Do you not understand the NB liquor employees are paid with tax dollars
created by business? So the guy owning the Agency store is a
millionaire? Even if he is, so what. He invested, worked hard and made
money and PAID TAXES.
The kids are leaving the province because no jobs, high taxes and little hope for the future.
The kids are leaving the province because no jobs, high taxes and little hope for the future.
David Amos
@Emery Hyslop-Margison How is your optimism doing today?
David Amos
@Rosco holt Google "Harper and Bankers"
Notice Frank McKenna's name?
Notice Frank McKenna's name?
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin you said...
"Ha ha ha that made me laugh, they would generate more wealth how ? by giving minimum salary with no benefit ? Tell me genius how would THEY reinvest into the economy ?? "
NBLC employees are paid with tax dollars generated by the private sector, ergo they consume wealth.
'"Tell me genius how would THEY reinvest into the economy ?? ""
Marc, the personal insult aside, I will type slowly so hopefully you can comprehend...
They will reinvest by making improvements to their properties, paying employees, paying taxes,shall I go on?
"Ha ha ha that made me laugh, they would generate more wealth how ? by giving minimum salary with no benefit ? Tell me genius how would THEY reinvest into the economy ?? "
NBLC employees are paid with tax dollars generated by the private sector, ergo they consume wealth.
'"Tell me genius how would THEY reinvest into the economy ?? ""
Marc, the personal insult aside, I will type slowly so hopefully you can comprehend...
They will reinvest by making improvements to their properties, paying employees, paying taxes,shall I go on?
Fred Brewer
@Marc Martin
"But not has much that lost would have to be replaced another place kapich ? "
No I don't kapiche. I really tried but I cannot make any sense of your quote.
"But not has much that lost would have to be replaced another place kapich ? "
No I don't kapiche. I really tried but I cannot make any sense of your quote.
Rob Mason
@Fred Brewer don't fret, we all struggle making sense of some of Marc's statements.
Layton Bennett
@Fred Brewer
But they won't. Explain to me how they will make more on a business they no longer own.
But they won't. Explain to me how they will make more on a business they no longer own.
Marc Martin
@Rob Mason
Paying employees ? Minimum salary ?
*They will reinvest by making improvements to their properties*
And that will generate millions to the government of NB ??
*paying taxes*
They are already paying taxes...Having a few more employees, paying them minimum salary will make THEM save taxes..Again how will this generate millions for the government of NB ???
You don't seem ton comprehend how this works.
- The province is making a profit
- They hire people, pay them a good wage with good benefits
- These people re-invest into the economy, they buy cars, houses, and they pay taxes.
Business having NB liquor
- Pay minimum salary with almost no benefits
- Does not re-invest but into themselves
In the end where will the province get the money they will be losing ?? Yeah I think you are slow...
Paying employees ? Minimum salary ?
*They will reinvest by making improvements to their properties*
And that will generate millions to the government of NB ??
*paying taxes*
They are already paying taxes...Having a few more employees, paying them minimum salary will make THEM save taxes..Again how will this generate millions for the government of NB ???
You don't seem ton comprehend how this works.
- The province is making a profit
- They hire people, pay them a good wage with good benefits
- These people re-invest into the economy, they buy cars, houses, and they pay taxes.
Business having NB liquor
- Pay minimum salary with almost no benefits
- Does not re-invest but into themselves
In the end where will the province get the money they will be losing ?? Yeah I think you are slow...
Marc Martin
@Fred Brewer
The province makes more money now then if NB liquor would go private anyone who does not understand this is either an alcoholic of the owner of a small business who wants to sell beer.
The province makes more money now then if NB liquor would go private anyone who does not understand this is either an alcoholic of the owner of a small business who wants to sell beer.
Rob Mason
@Marc Martin
You don't seem ton comprehend how this works.
- The province is making a profit
- They hire people, pay them a good wage with good benefits
- These people re-invest into the economy, they buy cars, houses, and they pay taxes.
The last point specifically is when you don't understand. The money they pay taxes on was generated by the private sector, they are paying tax on a tax.
"how will this generate millions for the government of NB ??? "
The government will still receive the same tax revenue, just not have the overhead. Why is this hard to understand?
You don't seem ton comprehend how this works.
- The province is making a profit
- They hire people, pay them a good wage with good benefits
- These people re-invest into the economy, they buy cars, houses, and they pay taxes.
The last point specifically is when you don't understand. The money they pay taxes on was generated by the private sector, they are paying tax on a tax.
"how will this generate millions for the government of NB ??? "
The government will still receive the same tax revenue, just not have the overhead. Why is this hard to understand?
Rosco holt
@Rob Mason
NBLiquor made Net earning of $168.4 million. That's profit. Not money made by taxes.
Yes, the government will recieve taxes, but I doubt it will be has high has 168 million per/ year on average.
That's without forgetting the social responsibilities that the crown corporation has.
Government has the tendency of cutting corporate taxes (Higgs promised cutting business taxes) with the continual promise that it will create jobs and get businesses to re-invest. Which none of it materialized.
NBLiquor made Net earning of $168.4 million. That's profit. Not money made by taxes.
Yes, the government will recieve taxes, but I doubt it will be has high has 168 million per/ year on average.
That's without forgetting the social responsibilities that the crown corporation has.
Government has the tendency of cutting corporate taxes (Higgs promised cutting business taxes) with the continual promise that it will create jobs and get businesses to re-invest. Which none of it materialized.
Rob Mason
@Rosco holt you know not of
what you speak. OK I'll humour you, what percentage of the $168.4
million was mark up to sell in the store and what percentage was tax on
the product. It does not matter which source it comes from, the
government realizes the revenue. If the private sector was involved they
would receive the same amount, while realizing the savings from
decreased overhead. (store up keep, heat, lights, wages, pensions, etc)
Rosco holt
@Rob Mason
The 168.4 million is net profit. After everything is paid.
That's on top of the tax collected.
Total sales for the year were $428.7 million.
These numbers come from the government website.
The 168.4 million is net profit. After everything is paid.
That's on top of the tax collected.
Total sales for the year were $428.7 million.
These numbers come from the government website.
Marc Martin
@Rob Mason
*The government will still receive the same tax revenue*
BUT NOT THE PROFIT REVENU THEY WOULD LOOSE MILLIONS OF $$$ ARE YOU READY TO PAY THAT OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKETS ???
*The government will still receive the same tax revenue*
BUT NOT THE PROFIT REVENU THEY WOULD LOOSE MILLIONS OF $$$ ARE YOU READY TO PAY THAT OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKETS ???
@Rosco holt
Don't try, he has been brainwash by his purple cult...
Don't try, he has been brainwash by his purple cult...
People's Alliance pushes for private liquor, cannabis retail system
Kris Austin says province should do away with government-owned stores
People's Alliance Leader Kris
Austin says the province should abandon the government-owned system of
selling liquor and cannabis for one that gets privately owned stores to
do the selling.
Austin's comments on Information Morning Fredericton come after the CEO of NB Liquor and Cannabis NB Brian Harriman announced last week that he was stepping down.
Austin
said the change at the top of the Crown corporation should bring a
change in philosophy that would recognize full privatization as being in
the province's best interest.
"If you look at other jurisdictions across North America, it's done exceptionally well, including even in our own country in Alberta," said Austin
"They brought forward a privatization model which saw increased employment, increased revenue, better variety and distribution. Just all the way around seemed to be a better system."
The Alberta system has seen increased liquor store locations and product selection, but even that system has been criticized because it retains government control over distribution. Wages have also gone down for retail workers in Alberta's private outlets.
Austin said privatization would eliminate the government monopoly and allow for more innovation.
He also said the province would see more revenue in privatization because it would still receive tax revenue on sales of alcohol and cannabis but wouldn't incur the overhead of operating retail stores.
Austin says the province would make more money if it got out of the business of selling liquor and pot. (Jordan Gill/CBC)
He said employment would increase as new businesses moved into the market.
Government would still regulate the industry through licensing and enforcement of liquor and cannabis laws, Austin said.
"Basically the same thing they're doing now, but less cost associated with that," he said.
CUPE 963, the union that represents NB Liquor employees, does not support privatization.
"It looks like the [People's Alliance] is doing the Conservatives' dirty work, by proposing to kill the proverbial 'golden goose' so that a few big corporate players — such as Sobeys and Irving (Circle K) can make more profit," Jamie Agnew, President of CUPE 963, said in a news release.
CUPE 963 president Jamie Agnew says privatizing the sale of liquor and cannabis would be akin to killing the "golden goose." (Ed Hunter / CBC)
Privatization would
lead to higher prices and lower revenue and would remove public health
safeguards, the union said, citing a report from the Canadian Centre for
Policy Alternatives and the Parkland Institute.
Daniel Légère, the president of CUPE NB, said government control of alcohol and cannabis is the "safest and best way ahead for consumers."
"I advise the PANB to remove their pro-corporate blinders. Privatization means private profit before people, and fewer good jobs."
New Brunswick now has a government monopoly on the sale and distribution of recreational cannabis, with products only being sold in Cannabis NB stores and on the Crown corporation's website.
NB Liquor has a similar mandate, but alcohol sales are permitted in some private stores in areas where there is no corporate store, and some wines and cider are available in grocery stores. NB Liquor decides where these "agency stores" are located and who runs them.
Citing health care and education, Austin said there are more important things than selling liquor and cannabis for the government to deal with. And with cannabis, the province isn't doing a good job anyway, he said.
'Government's the only entity I'm aware of that could lose money selling marijuana,' Austin says. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
"There you see sales have been down.
"Government's the only entity I'm aware of that could lose money selling marijuana. It's just not a good model for government, and the private sector would do it so much better."
Cannabis appears to be falling short of sales projections in its first six months.
The corporation was projected to hit sales of $45 million by March 30. As of Dec. 23, 2018, only $8.6 million in sales had been reported.
Austin said that his party is researching how the province could get out of contracts with cannabis producers and people who rent out the retail location.
Austin said one solution might be to get entrepreneurs to take over the contracts. There could also be "options" for employees to either take over the business or find jobs in the private sector.
Austin says the Blaine Higgs government has been receptive of his calls to privatize alcohol and cannabis sales. (CBC)
Austin said he's been in contact with the Blaine Higgs's Progressive Conservative government and it is receptive to the idea.
"They're certainly open to the idea. I believe right now they're looking into it."
Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters he wants to analyze both NB Liquor and Cannabis NB but didn't confirm he had spoken with Austin about privatization and said he isn't sure that's the best option.
Higgs said he supported looking at the possibility of privatization but any evaluation would take months.
Austin's comments on Information Morning Fredericton come after the CEO of NB Liquor and Cannabis NB Brian Harriman announced last week that he was stepping down.
"If you look at other jurisdictions across North America, it's done exceptionally well, including even in our own country in Alberta," said Austin
"They brought forward a privatization model which saw increased employment, increased revenue, better variety and distribution. Just all the way around seemed to be a better system."
The Alberta system has seen increased liquor store locations and product selection, but even that system has been criticized because it retains government control over distribution. Wages have also gone down for retail workers in Alberta's private outlets.
More innovation, revenue
Austin said privatization would eliminate the government monopoly and allow for more innovation.
He also said the province would see more revenue in privatization because it would still receive tax revenue on sales of alcohol and cannabis but wouldn't incur the overhead of operating retail stores.
Government would still regulate the industry through licensing and enforcement of liquor and cannabis laws, Austin said.
"Basically the same thing they're doing now, but less cost associated with that," he said.
Union response
CUPE 963, the union that represents NB Liquor employees, does not support privatization.
"It looks like the [People's Alliance] is doing the Conservatives' dirty work, by proposing to kill the proverbial 'golden goose' so that a few big corporate players — such as Sobeys and Irving (Circle K) can make more profit," Jamie Agnew, President of CUPE 963, said in a news release.
Daniel Légère, the president of CUPE NB, said government control of alcohol and cannabis is the "safest and best way ahead for consumers."
"I advise the PANB to remove their pro-corporate blinders. Privatization means private profit before people, and fewer good jobs."
Better things to do
New Brunswick now has a government monopoly on the sale and distribution of recreational cannabis, with products only being sold in Cannabis NB stores and on the Crown corporation's website.
NB Liquor has a similar mandate, but alcohol sales are permitted in some private stores in areas where there is no corporate store, and some wines and cider are available in grocery stores. NB Liquor decides where these "agency stores" are located and who runs them.
Citing health care and education, Austin said there are more important things than selling liquor and cannabis for the government to deal with. And with cannabis, the province isn't doing a good job anyway, he said.
"Government's the only entity I'm aware of that could lose money selling marijuana. It's just not a good model for government, and the private sector would do it so much better."
Cannabis appears to be falling short of sales projections in its first six months.
The corporation was projected to hit sales of $45 million by March 30. As of Dec. 23, 2018, only $8.6 million in sales had been reported.
Austin said that his party is researching how the province could get out of contracts with cannabis producers and people who rent out the retail location.
Austin said one solution might be to get entrepreneurs to take over the contracts. There could also be "options" for employees to either take over the business or find jobs in the private sector.
Claims support from PCs
"They're certainly open to the idea. I believe right now they're looking into it."
Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters he wants to analyze both NB Liquor and Cannabis NB but didn't confirm he had spoken with Austin about privatization and said he isn't sure that's the best option.
Higgs said he supported looking at the possibility of privatization but any evaluation would take months.
With files from Information Morning Fredericton
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
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