Union representing NSLC employees speaks out against potential privatization of liquor sales

An NSLC store on Kearney Lake Road in Halifax is pictured on May 29, 2025. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic)

The union representing the workers of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation is calling on the provincial government to stop any plans they have to privatize alcohol sales in the province.

On Tuesday, the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) said the potential privatization of alcohol could have a significant impact on the province’s revenue.

“The NSLC contributes 100 per cent of their profits, over $280 million annually, to the province which is used to fund many important public services like health care, education and new infrastructure,” said NSGEU first vice president, Hugh Gillis, in the news release.

“In these uncertain financial times why would the government look at doing something that would decrease revenue and put public services at risk?”

The union argues the privatization of alcohol sales would also put many jobs at risk, especially in rural communities, as NSLC employs thousands of people.

“Most people live only a few kilometers away from an NSLC or agency store. There is no urgent need to make alcohol more available through privatization. Losing provincial revenue, losing good paying jobs, and normalizing the use of alcohol through privatization is not worth the risk,” said Gillis.

Last month, the province announced it would be conducting a public opinion survey with around 1,500 Nova Scotians over the age of 19, as well as a consultation process that would look at “the types of stores where alcohol can be sold.”

“Nova Scotia is taking steps to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, and that makes this a good time to look at how alcohol is sold and consumed,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister, John Lohr, in that announcement.

Alcohol is currently sold at more than 300 retail locations across Nova Scotia including NSLC stores, private wine and specialty stores, stores at breweries and wineries and farmers markets.

The survey will be conducted by the province until June 30.

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