The Chicoutimi branch of the Société québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC) has been closed for about two months due to a ventilation problem. Since then, the employees have not been transferred but continue to be paid by the state-owned company.
So there are 11 full- and part-time employees waiting at home to find out what will happen to the Montcalm Street branch. During this time, the national company continues to pay them a salary.
“We're asking ourselves, 'Every time there's major renovation work, is the SQDC going to close its desk, pay all of its employees full-time, at full salary, and most importantly, without them having to do anything?' Because I think taxpayers do deserve to know,” said Nicolas Gagnon, spokesman for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
The workers were not relocated to another branch in the area because SQDC said there was no operational need elsewhere.
“We really question whether this branch was even profitable, whether it was really necessary or whether the other branches were already sufficient to meet the need,” asked Mr. Gagnon
The state-owned company declined our request for an on-camera interview, but via text message, spokesman Fabrice Giguère clarified that “there are 11 employees assigned to this branch.” They will not work during the closure but will be paid according to their individual work schedule. Furthermore, since the SQDC is profitable and therefore financed through its commercial activities, it is not taxpayers who pay for employee compensation.”
“The profits of state-owned corporations or any government enterprise must be transferred to the government so that it has the scope to take care of our infrastructure, our public services and even transfer money. Putting money in taxpayers' pockets.” “This isn't about paying employees to do nothing,” the Canadian Taxpayers Federation spokesperson added.
The Chicoutimi retailer is temporarily closed and analysis of the building is underway. The owner declined to comment on the situation.
Once these analyzes have been completed, further details regarding the reopening of the branch can be announced.