Disagreement over ‘made-up numbers’ and Ontario’s ‘billion-dollar booze boondoggle’

Ontario announced a sped-up plan to liberalize the sale of alcohol across the province, with a price tag of $225 million. Critics say the cost is significantly higher.

As politicians and newly-minted cabinet ministers leave Queen’s Park for an extended summer break, arguments over the cost of delivering a signature Ford government policy early continue.

In late May, Ontario Premier Doug Ford held a news conference at an increasingly familiar location: a Toronto gas station with temporary shelves of beer, wine and mixed drinks stacked behind him.

The premier, alongside his finance minister, announced an already public plan to sell beer in grocery stores and corner stores would be dramatically sped up. Instead of early 2026, the new policy means a phased expansion will now begin on Aug. 1.

After Sept. 5, eligible convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, and after Oct. 31, all grocery stores and big box stores could sell those products, including large-pack sizes. Over time, the changes will add up to 8,500 new places where people in Ontario could buy alcohol, the government said.

The cost? That depends on who you ask.

Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said a maximum of $225 million had been set aside to help The Beer Store transition and keep some stores open.

The Ontario Liberals claim the true cost is north of $1 billion.

Days after the announcement was made, the Ontario Liberals issued a bold claim, suggesting the true cost of the change was more than $1 billion.