The Save Our Stores campaign was launched following the October 27th Speech from the Throne which contained the government’s intention to sell the remaining publicly owned liquor stores by the end of March.

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) represents about 400 employees at 34 public liquor stores around the province. The SGEU says over 1,500 letters of concern have been sent directly to Lori Carr, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). Hundreds of petition were also presented to the government on Tuesday.

“Selling these liquor licenses to private operators will mean most if not all of them will go to large, wealthy corporation who will funnel their profits out of province and provide low-paying jobs for their employees,” said Tracey Sauer, SGEU president.

The SGEU says its members were not consulted or notified about the closures prior to the Throne Speech.