#NEW the union representing LCBO workers OPSEU tells us they have reached a tentative settlement with the employer that will “protect jobs in every community as well as public revenues generated by LCBO sales.” We are standing by for a 3pm news conference.

LCBO stores will officially reopen on Tuesday after a contentious 2-week strike. OPSEU says the tentative deal will “protect jobs in every community as well as public revenues generated by LCBO sales.”

#NEW LCBO to file unfair labour practice against OPSEU. Statement here:

LCBO latest: union confirms it is seeking backpay for striking workers. LCBO says this should have been negotiated at the bargaining table. Union then suggests LCBO is unfamiliar with bargaining process & that it is “standard practice” to negotiate those terms after.

#BREAKING - A deal to end the LCBO strike is now 100% done. Union members will start voting on it today. LCBO stores will reopen on Tuesday.

“It took a strike to get them to actually bargain with us,” LCBO workers tell us they’re happy with their new deal which includes more permanent positions & a wage hike, but the premier maintains a strike was unnecessary to make that happen. Full story: toronto.citynews.ca/video/2024/07/…

NEW: “it’s clear Doug Ford has no idea where LCBO revenues come from,” says OPSEU, disputing the premier’s claims that LCBO makes money on wholesaling. OPSEU says retail accounts for 79.4% of profits. “He should know this is a valuable asset making a lot of for the province.”

The health minister’s refusal to answer questions about the cost of expanding pharmacist powers is raising eyebrows: “I have a feeling that Shopper’s Drug Mart is actually standing to benefit a lot more from today's announcement than the patients of Ontario.” Dr. Adil Shamji 🇨🇦.

Ontario pharmacies have treated 1 million ailments since last year, charging OHIP $19 a visit, roughly $4 less than a doctor visit. But there are concerns that money is being siphoned away from family doctors and handed to large retail chains. Full story: toronto.citynews.ca/video/2024/07/…

“People in Ontario should expect better from their government.” Family doctors are speaking out as the Ford government moves to expand pharmacist powers: “this is a band-aid solution and it’s not gonna fix the crisis we have in healthcare.” Full story: toronto.citynews.ca/video/2024/07/…

The Ford government is buying police helicopters to combat impaired driving ($134 million), while also increasing access to alcohol across Ontario ($225 million), expanding sales to corner stores & gas stations a year early. I asked the premier about his alcohol everywhere policy

I asked Premier Ford about plans to expand pharmacist powers. Critics say it is yet another way his government is privatizing the healthcare system, putting money into the hands of large retail chains. “I totally disagree. The docs don’t have a lack of customers.” Full response:

This year's #MediaAwards🖊️ recipient Tina Yazdani of CityNews Toronto's winning piece covers #Bill60 & the concerns it will dismantle the publicly funded health-care system. #StopForProfitHealthcare Watch her full report: RNAO.ca/about/awards/m…