Sale of former Sask. government liquor store buildings begins
The sale has started of former Saskatchewan government liquor store buildings. The province got out of liquor retailing earlier this month and is disposing of all assets. Now, the NDP opposition is concerned that the Regina Warehouse could be the next to close, an allegation that the government denies.
The last of 34 locations across Saskatchewan closed two weeks ago and now the government is finalizing deals on five former liquor store buildings.
“Actually we have seven on the market right now and five have firm offers so there’s just two outstanding there,” said Lori Carr, minister of liquor and gaming.
The government owned 19 of the 34 store buildings. The remainder were leased. Most of the rural locations for sale are listed through real estate agents for about $350,000 apiece.
Carr said they have five other stores they are going to be putting up soon.
This week, the government also introduced legislation to split casino operations from its remaining liquor wholesale division. The NDP worry that the massive central liquor warehouse at Regina’s GTH could be the next to go.
“Again, when they start shifting things around, removing the L from the SGA, people are going to be concerned,” said NDP MLA Nathaniel Teed.
The government says it has no plan to turn over liquor wholesaling to the private sector.
“I anticipated that question but there is no intention of a sell off. There is no intention to divest or making changes to that,” said Don Morgan, minister of Crown Investments.
Also on the auction block are about six liquor store permits but the government says none are associated with former SLGA stores. Apparently several owners of private liquor off sales are hoping to cash in their permits which now have a market value of about $1.5 million apiece.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.