Doug Ford strikes back with video promoting LCBO alternatives
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LCBO workers are on strike, leaving its retail locations closed for 14 days, or until the Crown agency and the Ontario Public Sector Employees Union (OPSEU) agree to a deal.
And while its online business and free home delivery services are still available, Premier Doug Ford wants Ontarians to know there are “still plenty of options” to buy alcohol.
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In a new video released on Monday, as LCBO staffers picketed for the first time in the province’s history, Ford is seen at the barbecue, grilling burgers alongside a selection of what appears to be Ontario-made boozy beverages.
“It’s summertime in Ontario,” Ford says in the video. “That means more time outside with family and friends at a neighbourhood barbecue or a camping trip.”
He continues: “Even though LCBO workers are on strike, there’s still plenty of options for you to buy beer, wine, cider, coolers and even spirits, including products made right here in Ontario.”
The video eventually cuts to Ford sitting at a table on a laptop as he scrolls through a “handy new (interactive) map” listing locations throughout the province that are licenced to sell alcohol — including LCBO Convenience Outlets.
Naturally, that didn’t sit well with many people, with most complaining about the lack of family doctors or lengthy emergency department wait times.
“You’re using public dollars to break a strike, undermine workers rights & to destroy an agency that generates $2.5 Billion for healthcare & other services,” actress Jean Yoon wrote on X.
“But this app looks cute. Why didn’t you use this kind of tech to save lives from Co19 or to find ERs that are actually open?”
“Got an interactive map to help people find ERs people can still access?” one X user asked.
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However, Ford also had supporters, with one person calling his video “excellent.”
One person suggested, “Privatize everything, Doug. Time to release the shackles and give us more options than your crappy government controlled ones. This includes health care and schools.”
Ford’s video comes a day after OPSEU released its own video slamming the premier.
“FORDZILLA MINUS FUN — all this destruction coming to a public service near you,” the clip shows, adding, “LCBO workers are striking to SAVE summer.”
The union’s video, which has been removed from X, can still be seen on TikTok and shows a doll on a swing set that is “hopeful” for her future when it starts crying because big, bad Ford approaches.
“Heehee, what can I ruin today?” as a Godzilla-like beast featuring Ford’s face stomps through Toronto, destroying models of the Ontario Science Centre, a hospital, schools and LCBO workers’ hearts.
About 9,000 workers are off the job for at least two weeks, or until a deal is reached.
If an agreement is not reached by July 19, 32 stores across the province will open for limited hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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