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We, the undersigned residents of the Province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following:

From 2002-06 the cost of running public liquor stores increased by 33 per cent. More than 70 per cent of that increase can be attributed to increases in employee wages and benefits. Liquor store salaries and benefits increased by 23 per cent and far exceed those for similar jobs in the private sector. A liquor store customer service rep can earn as much as $21.28 per hour ($44,262 per year). Statistics Canada data suggests the 2004 average hourly wage for a Saskatchewan cashier is $10.24 ($21,299 per year).

Moreover, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) spent $3.6 million on liquor store construction in 2005-06 - nearly five times the amount spent the previous year. Allowing the private sector to sell beverage alcohol would save millions each year and create more opportunities for Saskatchewan entrepreneurs.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan:

Change the laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol in Saskatchewan to allow private liquor stores to sell beverage alcohol on a level playing field with publicly-owned liquor board stores.