privatization

2:00AM
Printer-friendly version

If you’re a fan of lower prices, increased convenience, better product selection and improved customer service, you might want to keep the champagne on ice---at least when it comes to BC’s liquor industry. Despite all the recent talk of the BC government privatizing the Liquor Distribution Branch [LDB], it’s not happening. Not even close. And that is unfortunate for regular British Columbians who enjoy a cold beer, a glass of wine or a sex on the beach every now and then.


2:00AM
Printer-friendly version

Anyone who recently visited Alberta for the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede might have noticed something unusual about the province: not a single government liquor store.

Alberta does have a plethora of private stores, unlike say, Ontario, where I once drove around Cambridge for what seemed forever to find any shop, government or private, to buy wine for a dinner with relatives.

If you’re lucky, your politicians will one day imitate Alberta. To that end, here’s how Alberta’s private sector model came about.


2:00AM
Printer-friendly version
With the breakdown in negotiations between Canada Post management and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, many cities across Canada have been subject to rotating strikes by the mail carriers. Naturally, it is Canadians who rely on the crown corporation for mail delivery that are adversely affected. It doesn’t have to be this way. To protect consumers, the solution is to privatize Canada Post.

2:00AM
Printer-friendly version

Anti-privatization crusaders are seizing on the recent scandals in the BC legislature to argue against the planned privatization of BC Rail. Transportation Minister Judith Reid, however, says that the BC Rail privatization deal should proceed. The Minister is spot on: the taxpayers of British Columbia shouldn’t allow unsubstantiated rumours to derail good public policy. The benefits of privatization are well established, and BC Rail is no exception. It simply comes down to fiscal common sense.