Finance Minister Vic Fedeli is brushing aside concerns from a pro-business group worried the Ford government’s plan to cancel a contract with the Beer Store — clearing the way for beer in convenience stores — sends an “alarming message” to investors. Ontario Chamber of Commerce President Rocco Rossi said in a letter to Fedeli that legislation to axe the deal is a “short-sighted approach” that could deter companies from signing agreements with the province in future. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said the Ford government has painted itself into a corner over the beer sales and possible Beer Store legal action, comparing the situation to the Liberal government’s cancellation of contracts for unpopular natural gas-fired power plants in Oakville and Mississauga before the 2011 election. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the risks of an expensive lawsuit from the Beer Store means Ford’s PCs “either didn’t do their homework or they didn’t care” about the deal before making last spring’s election promise. “They’re so fixated on this, it’s crazy,” interim Liberal leader John Fraser said of the government’s drive to put beer and wine in convenience stores.

Source: thestar June 04, 2019 20:26 UTC