Beer Petition into the Legislature

[Cass]

It would seem that the beer petition started in the summer has made it into the legislature - searching through the daily archives reveals a couple of announcements made by Ted Chudleigh, most recently on November 6th:

BEER RETAILING AND DISTRIBUTION

Mr. Ted Chudleigh: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the current system, practice and arrangement of retailing and distributing beer in the province of Ontario-and more specifically, the 'near monopoly' of The Beer Store-severely restricts the accessibility, convenience and choice for retail consumers of beer in Ontario; and

"Whereas The Beer Store 'near monopoly' is controlled by 'for-profit, foreign-owned companies' and these companies are not accountable to the people of Ontario, and these companies do not act in the best interests of the people of Ontario;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"That legislation be introduced that will permit the retailing and distribution of beer through alternative and additional grocery and supermarket retail channels that will fairly compete with The Beer Store, thereby allowing an accessible, convenient, safe, well-regulated and environmentally responsible retailing environment for beer to become established in the province of Ontario."

I agree with this petition and I'm glad to sign my name and pass it to my page Elise.

Not sure if the government will / needs to respond.

[MattB]

It looks good, but it's just a Member's Statement. Nobody really pays any attention to these. It's a start ... maybe some action will happen, but I doubt it. Too many entrenched interests (corporations $$$, unions, etc.). However, Steve Peters, the Speaker, has indicated an interest in promoting the Ontario craft beer industry. He might be a logical next step.

[Al of Kingston]

It looks good, but it's just a Member's Statement. Nobody really pays any attention to these. It's a start ... maybe some action will happen, but I doubt it...

With respect, no one ever pays any attention to the causes that are given up before they are put on paper. Pushing the issue takes more than a thousand steps. Good work, Cass - even if you are just keeping the spotlight on it for us..