Ontario's Green Party Leader says the province needs to make changes in a responsible way.
With just ten days before the Doug Ford government unveils it's first budget, there's a motion to expand beer and wine sales into corner stores.
But Mike Schreiner tells The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NEWS they should look at changes that benefit local producers first.
"People want their products," the Guelph MPP says, "If the focus is on expanding sales for local producers, Ontario producers, creating Ontario jobs, I'm all for it."
The Toronto Star indicates the potential move could be a breach of the province's contract with the Beer Store. And breaching that contract could cost taxpayers an upwards of $100 million dollars.
He says craft beer could be the solution to get around the contract.
"Why not start with allowing the opening of craft beer stores, or VQA wine stores or artisan distillery stores," he said, "Particularly in downtown's, as an opportunity for downtown economic revitalization."
Guelph also happens to be the home of the Sleeman Breweries. Schreiner says he's always supported them and the jobs they provide, and he doesn't seem worried about Sleeman feeling any impact when it relates to expanded sales of craft beer.
"They have a strong, global, worldwide market with access to that market," he said.
"On the other hand, we have a lot of craft brewers who can't even access the retail market because of the costs and logistics associated with it."
