Dr. T has just ensured our holiday spirit will be well-fueled with holiday spirits. He bravely faced the pre-Xmas crowds to stock up on Yellow Label, amaretto, porto, and various other bottles of Xmas cheer.
This may not seem like such a big deal, but out-of-towners should take note that at the moment, the SAQ is on strike.
The SAQ is the provincial liquor commission, the ‘Societe des alcools de Quebec’ – yes, ‘societe’ – we may drink a lot, but we’re really only social drinkers. We can quit anytime. Taxes and other revenues collected from the SAQ, which is a government body, help fund our educational and health programs. Our children are schooled and our sick are healed, thanks to our passion for porto. We’re saving the world, one merlot at a time.
That said, it’s interesting to note that although the SAQ workers are on strike, there are several outlets that remain open, because let’s face it – providing us with wine and spirits is an essential service. There’s a limit to how pro-union we can be, and clearly, we’re more sympathetic after a bottle or two of a nice Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our blue-collar workers are also on strike, but y’know, like, what else is new? Sure, there’s snow in the streets and ice on the sidewalk. We can handle it! We’re tough! We’re resourceful!
But if we have to navigate streets covered in fresh powder and ice-dance with random strangers on downtown sidewalks, we’re gonna need a stiff drink.
Tell me again about the advantages of living in Quebec. I’ve forgotten.
Okay, I admit I miss the snow forts and snow tunnels, and waking up in the morning to a landscape covered with a perfect white blanket, and all of the trees glistening with ice. After all these decades I still remember how pretty it could be, but then I never had to go to work in the ice and snow. Or buy booze.
Merry Christmas from sunny Tucson.
It would be even worse if the LLBO went on strike in Ontario – you can’t even get crappy convenience/grocery store wine as an alternative. Feh.