Retail Liquor Liberalization: Keeping Perspective

Much has been said this past week about a new policy resolution passed by our members last weekend to move for the liberalization of liquor retailing in Saskatchewan. This would remove the government monopoly on retailing and provide the people of Saskatchewan with the freedom to participate in this market.

This is not a ‘right wing’ or conservative position, nor is it not a ‘left wing’ or socialist position. It is a Liberal position. We believe in individual freedom and personal empowerment. The role of government should be to foster a free market economy by cultivating conditions of fair competition and ensuring equal opportunity of citizens to participate.

We should come together under the umbrella of government for the things we cannot do for ourselves- not the other way around. There are many serious problems in Saskatchewan that need government attention- especially the provision of public goods to protect us from barriers to freedom like poverty and illness.

Universal health care is a public good. Education is a public good. Healthy, vibrant communities are public goods. Liquor is not. It is a good that small business and family owned business- the life blood of our Saskatchewan economy- should have the opportunity to provide.