A new research paper finds Manitoba’s liquor sales model is better when compared to privatized systems in other Western provinces.
The paper by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives was written by public finance economist Greg Flanagan.
Flanagan used data from Statistics Canada to compare 17 key health, consumption and price indicators from Manitoba to other western provinces and the national average.
“From a public health and safety perspective, there is no basis for favoring the private sale of alcohol, because the objective of private firms is to sell as much of the product as possible,” said Flanagan. “But we have to remember that alcohol is a legal drug. It is in the public interest to control the sale of liquor, in particular to minors and the intoxicated.”
The report found Manitoba’s impaired driving rates are equal to the Canadian average and considerably lower than Saskatchewan and Alberta’s, but higher than British Columbia’s.
It said Manitoba has the highest revenue and net government income per capita from its sales of alcoholic beverages and has the best result among Western provinces in lessening the dangers of alcohol consumption.
The report concluded Manitoba has achieved a balanced system providing reasonable access to a range of alcohol, while keeping control of consumption levels and making large profits used for public services.
The complete paper titled Balancing Convenience with Social Responsibility: Liquor Regulations in Manitoba can be read here.
