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I consider myself a fiscal conservative. I've been an advocate of fiscal responsibility when it comes to government spending.
While I value the tremendous services that Ontario provides, I also believe that something needs to be done about our unfortunate financial situation -- $348 billion in debt, a $13.5 billion deficit, and interest payments that are the fourth largest line item on the budget each year.
Therefore, I applaud Premier Doug Ford and his government on many of their policies that try to improve Ontario's financial situation.
However, the recent decision by the premier to look into ripping up the 10-year contract with The Beer Store, signed by the previous Liberal government, to allow beer to be sold in private retail stores, doesn't have me applauding.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily against the prospect of being to purchase alcohol at the corner store. But it's estimated that, due to the fact that the government does have a contract with The Beer Store, the province could be billed hundreds of millions of dollars before you can pick up a 2-4 of Busch at the local Circle K.
For a government that prides itself on its fiscally responsible policies and "protecting what matters most," this piece of legislation sure could cause some unnecessary spending.
Hale Mahon
Midhurst
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