Ontario's budget watchdog predicts that the government's decision to speed up the sale of alcohol in convenience stores will result in a significant cost increase for the province. The Financial Accountability Officer estimates the cost at $1.4 billion by 2030, with $612 million attributed to the accelerated timeline. Premier Doug Ford's original plan was to expand alcohol sales by 2026, but he announced an earlier rollout for 2024, citing an agreement with The Beer Store to help maintain stores and jobs. This move has fueled speculation about an early election, which Ford confirmed is taking place on Wednesday.
Beer cans are stacked as props in front a display of ice cream, at a press availability attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a convenience store in Toronto, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.TORONTO -- Ontario’s budget watchdog estimates that the government’s decision to speed up the rollout of alcohol sales in corner stores will cost the province more than $600 million. That’s nearly three times the amount the Progressive Conservative government said it would cost to accelerate the timeline.
The Financial Accountability Officer says in a report today that the expansion of beer, wine and coolers to convenience stores, big box stores and more grocery stores will cost $1.4 billion through to 2030, and $612 million of that is due to the sped-up timing. Premier Doug Ford’s previous plan was to expand sales of those alcoholic offerings by 2026, but in May he announced that would instead happen in 2024. The province said an “early implementation agreement” with The Beer Store involves Ontario paying the company up to $225 million to help it keep stores open and workers employed. That announcement first sparked speculation of an early election call -- which Ford has now confirmed is happening Wednesday -- when the premier was asked if he was trying to get booze in corner stores before an election and he wouldn’t commit to sticking to the June 2026 fixed date.
ALCOHOL SALES ONTARIO BUDGET ECONOMY ELECTION
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ford Government's Accelerated Alcohol Sales Plan to Cost Taxpayers $600 MillionThe Financial Accountability Office (FAO) reports that the Ford government's plan to allow the sale of beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails in convenience stores ahead of schedule will cost taxpayers over $600 million. This revelation comes just before Premier Ford is expected to call an early provincial election.
Read more »
Could Federal Election Chaos Influence Ford's Decision on Early Ontario Vote?CBC Radio's Metro Morning hosted a panel of political strategists to discuss the potential impact of federal election uncertainty on Premier Doug Ford's decision-making regarding a possible early election in Ontario.
Read more »
Ontario Auditor General Criticizes Ford Government's Closure of Supervised Consumption SitesA recent report by Ontario's Auditor General found that the Ford government was aware of the risks associated with closing supervised consumption sites before making the decision. The audit revealed that the government did not conduct proper planning, impact analysis, or public consultations before announcing the closure of ten sites by March and imposing restrictions on future openings. The report also highlighted a lack of consultation with key stakeholders and Public Health Ontario.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Ford Unveils 'Fortress Am-Can' Energy Plan Amid US Trade TensionsOntario Premier Doug Ford announced an ambitious plan to strengthen the energy supply between Canada and the United States, dubbed 'Fortress Am-Can', during a press conference. The initiative aims to leverage Ontario's diverse energy resources, including nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable sources, to create jobs and economic growth on both sides of the border. This comes amidst heightened trade tensions with the incoming US President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Highlights Energy Partnership Amid Trump's ThreatsOntario Premier Doug Ford is emphasizing Ontario's energy sector's strength to create jobs and revenue on both sides of the border in response to incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's threat to acquire Canada.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Uninjured After Highway 401 CollisionOntario Premier Doug Ford was unharmed after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401. The collision occurred as Ford was leaving a press conference at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. Ford said the vehicle he was in was 'sideswiped' and the other driver ended up on the other side of the highway.
Read more »