The Ontario government is maintaining secrecy surrounding its significant stockpile of American alcohol products, valued at around $79.1 million, which were removed from sale shelves in response to the Canada-U.S. trade dispute. CBC News initiated a freedom-of-information request to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) in August to uncover details about the fate, quantity, and disposal plans of the U.S. alcohol products withdrawn in March. The LCBO’s delayed response of 64 days, surpassing the legal 30-day limit by 34 days, led to the release of heavily redacted documents spanning 50 pages. Most information regarding the amount of inventory at risk of expiration, the quantity already destroyed, and the total cost to taxpayers remains concealed.
In contrast to the LCBO’s secrecy, liquor authorities in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have disclosed details about their U.S. liquor inventories to the public. The documents from the LCBO revealed a $2.9 million estimated inventory provision in its 2024-25 financial statements for potentially expiring products. However, crucial underlying data necessary for independent verification or understanding the extent of potential wastage was labeled as “cabinet confidence.”
Colin Blachar, the director of media for Ontario’s Finance Ministry, stated that the decision to remove U.S.-made alcohol from LCBO shelves was in response to trade actions by President Trump. The products are currently stored until further notice, with minimal expiration reported due to the extended shelf life of alcohol products.
James Turk, a researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University, criticized the LCBO’s classification of inventory information as “cabinet confidence,” stating that such data should not be confidential as it includes routine operational details. Turk highlighted the misuse of this concept and emphasized that transparency is essential, especially when the information does not involve deliberations but factual inventory specifics.
The resistance to disclosure by the LCBO is seen as part of a broader trend of secrecy within the provincial government, as noted by Turk. The lack of transparency surrounding various issues, such as the Greenbelt scandal and the handling of a significant job training fund, raises concerns about the government’s commitment to openness and accountability.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized the LCBO’s secrecy as part of a larger pattern of government opacity. Stiles expressed the importance of transparency in decision-making and called for increased openness from the government. CBC News has appealed the LCBO’s redaction of internal documents to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s Office.
