Thursday, January 01, 2004
Tax Me I’m Canadian
When, in the late 19th century, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck came up with the idea of the welfare state, he had no intention of protecting the interests of Liberal government-must-run-everything-it-does-right-now supporters. The welfare state principles were simple, they defended old-age pension programs and support for the needy. Welfare.
And now with the privatization of the liquor sector, the Alberta government has let small business owners thrive.
Recently I was out at 7-11 and I read on a zoning development sign that there would be zoning for a "Small Liquor Sales Outlet" in between Klondike and the sev. Wow. That's what we need, another liquor store within 50 metres of another. Yet, if a privately owned store is opening, it can only mean one thing: small business pulls through again.
Immediately after privatization occured in Calgary, there were 24 liquor stores, today there are 201 (Source: Frontier Centre for Public Policy, October 20th 2003). Now, let's not deny the obvious. There are more liquor stores because the city has grown since privatization, yet, let us also not overlook the fact that there are 8 times as many stores as before. Liquor sales have also skyrocketed in Alberta. Pre-Privatization sales were around 402$ million, whereas afterwards: 545$ million.
In B.C., a key point opposing the privatization of liquor was that the government owned stores would lose money. No way. The government stores would continue to monopolize the market, creating a lack of work for any small business owners attempting to earn a small fortune. (Note to self, don't use 0 to call collect; could save small fortune). Refer to the liquor sales in Alberta mentioned above. Furthermore, crime offences at Calgary liquor stores went down 32%, but counter robberies are up. Analysts assume this pattern shifted because stores are now permitted to stay open until 2:00 AM. (Source: Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commision, Statistics Canada, Westridge Marketing Services)
In Manitoba, we find yet another reason against Government owned liquor stores. The presence of these stores, backed by millions of dollars in funding, (ie the import of products), offer now chances for a private business owner to start his own life. Congratulations on regulating the economy Manitoba. This has also prompted Nova Scotia into considering a reform of the liquor program and to privatize the system. (Source: Any idiot who has read a paper lately). Yet another point for the small business owner.
Today in History:
Circa 00 A.D. : Fourth wiseman arrives at stable, misses the whole thing.
Tomorrow: Spleen Appreciation Week Begins
And now with the privatization of the liquor sector, the Alberta government has let small business owners thrive.
Recently I was out at 7-11 and I read on a zoning development sign that there would be zoning for a "Small Liquor Sales Outlet" in between Klondike and the sev. Wow. That's what we need, another liquor store within 50 metres of another. Yet, if a privately owned store is opening, it can only mean one thing: small business pulls through again.
Immediately after privatization occured in Calgary, there were 24 liquor stores, today there are 201 (Source: Frontier Centre for Public Policy, October 20th 2003). Now, let's not deny the obvious. There are more liquor stores because the city has grown since privatization, yet, let us also not overlook the fact that there are 8 times as many stores as before. Liquor sales have also skyrocketed in Alberta. Pre-Privatization sales were around 402$ million, whereas afterwards: 545$ million.
In B.C., a key point opposing the privatization of liquor was that the government owned stores would lose money. No way. The government stores would continue to monopolize the market, creating a lack of work for any small business owners attempting to earn a small fortune. (Note to self, don't use 0 to call collect; could save small fortune). Refer to the liquor sales in Alberta mentioned above. Furthermore, crime offences at Calgary liquor stores went down 32%, but counter robberies are up. Analysts assume this pattern shifted because stores are now permitted to stay open until 2:00 AM. (Source: Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commision, Statistics Canada, Westridge Marketing Services)
In Manitoba, we find yet another reason against Government owned liquor stores. The presence of these stores, backed by millions of dollars in funding, (ie the import of products), offer now chances for a private business owner to start his own life. Congratulations on regulating the economy Manitoba. This has also prompted Nova Scotia into considering a reform of the liquor program and to privatize the system. (Source: Any idiot who has read a paper lately). Yet another point for the small business owner.
Today in History:
Circa 00 A.D. : Fourth wiseman arrives at stable, misses the whole thing.
Tomorrow: Spleen Appreciation Week Begins
