Few Ontarians want to sell off Crown corporations like the LCBO: poll

TORONTO — A new Nanos poll shows that seven out of 10 Ontarians feel the government should prioritize improving long-term care and public services over tackling the deficit.

The poll shows that barely a quarter think Ontario should sell off Crown corporations like the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario).

“Not only does the LCBO boast an outstanding record of excellent customer service, choice, and safe, responsible sales, it also generates massive revenues that we can invest in public services and in reducing the deficit,” said OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, in a prepared statement.

“The LCBO returned more than $2 billion in profits to the people of Ontario last year. It was the same the year before, and it will be the same for years to come,” said Thomas. “No wonder so many people are saying: ‘Keep the LCBO public!'”

The poll of 1,017 Ontarians, conducted by Nanos Research between May 24 and 27, found that when it comes to privatizing Crown corporations like the LCBO, twice as many oppose the idea as support it.

The poll also found that just 29% said it’s “important” for the government to prioritize deficit reduction once the pandemic is resolved. Also, 88% said it’s “important” to prioritize improving long-term care, 78% said it’s “important” to improve health care, and 56% said it’s “important” to create jobs. The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

“As OPSEU’s Treasurer, I’m extremely heartened by the financial smarts Ontarians are showing in this poll,” said OPSEU first vice-president/treasurer Eduardo Almeida, in a statement. “The pandemic has made it clear that we need to invest in our public services. And Ontarians clearly understand that when you need money for investing, the last thing you want to do is sell-off revenue generators like the LCBO.”