The SAQ Said It 'May Take A Few Weeks' Before Everything Is Back To Normal In Its Stores

Holiday shopping may be a little more difficult this year...

Contributing Writer

Liquor stores in Quebec have been seeing rather empty shelves recently. This is due to the on-and-off workers' strike that's been taking place over the past week or so, which the Société des alcools du Québec released an update about on Thursday, December 2.

"Last Monday, an agreement in principle was reached with the union of employees at our Montreal and Quebec City distribution centres. In the coming days, the employees will have the opportunity to vote on this agreement," read the release signed by Catherine Dagenais, president and CEO of the SAQ.

Dagenais went on to explain that the strike is causing a disruption in its operations, which "were already weakened by challenges linked to the pandemic."

The public was further informed that "it may take a few weeks before the situation returns to normal throughout our network, but we are sparing no effort to get there." So, any alcohol you were planning on buying for your holiday parties this year may take a little longer to locate than you anticipated.

But Dagenais added an important reminder to those who may be upset about not being able to find their favourite bottle on the shelves right now.

"Despite the challenges we face, it is important to remember that every month in Quebec, more than 600,000 people face a very real challenge: being able to feed themselves adequately every day. At the dawn of this festive season, many Quebecers are under considerable financial stress."

The release concluded by stating, "This is why it is important for us, despite the context of the last few weeks, to maintain our commitment to the food banks of Quebec. Thank you for making a difference for thousands of people in need."

  • Alanna Moore
  • Contributing Writer

    Alanna Moore is a Contributing Writer for MTL Blog. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies & cultural studies from McGill University in 2019. With over three years experience in editing and writing, she has developed a real passion for words and the people who speak them. You can contact her at alanna@mtlblog.com.

Here's why some Montrealers aren't happy about Quebec's new retail hours law

Starting next week, stores in Quebec can stay open much later on weekends.

When you should actually take off your winter tires in Quebec, according to a meteorologist

"Snow is still possible into the end of March and even into April."

Montreal stores can stay open later starting this month (even on Sundays)

Quebec is one of the only places in North America that still legislates store opening hours.

This Montreal grocery store was just hit with $14,500 in food safety fines

The store was handed three separate fines last month.

Canadian passport fees are going up this month — Here's how much more you'll pay

Getting your application in before the end of the month means you won't pay the new rates.

'Quebec poutine cheese' could soon get a special designation to protect the squeak

The cheese would have protected status like Champagne and Bordeaux wine.