By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Seven Quebec mayors have joined forces to demand the provincial government halt the planned closure of several SAQ locations, including the branch in Stanstead. Citing economic and social impacts, the municipal leaders are calling for a moratorium on closures until a territorial responsibility policy is established.
The mayors held a virtual press conference on March 20 to express their concerns about the Société des alcools du Québec’s (SAQ) decision to close eight locations across the province. The affected communities include Stanstead, Gatineau, Baie-D’Urfé, Victoriaville, Saguenay, and two boroughs in Montreal. The closures, set to take effect by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, have sparked criticism from local officials, who argue the decision was made without adequate consultation.
SAQ’s rationale
In its March 11 announcement, the SAQ defended its decision as part of an ongoing effort to adapt to shifting consumer habits. The agency cited declining alcohol consumption, demographic changes, and an increasing demand for convenience as factors influencing its retail strategy. According to SAQ President and CEO Jacques Farcy, “To maintain our long-term performance, we have to evolve how we do business, be more in sync with all our customers, those of tomorrow as well as today.”
The SAQ is planning to launch pilot projects to test micro-agency stores in urban areas and expand its delivery services. It has also pledged to open 34 new agency stores in rural areas that lack sufficient demand for a full SAQ store. However, the mayors argue that none of these initiatives address the impact of closures on their communities.
Impact on Stanstead
For Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone, the SAQ’s decision is particularly concerning given the town’s unique location along the U.S. border. “This closure, without an alternative local sales point, risks pushing residents and visitors to shop in neighbouring municipalities or even across the border,” Stone said. With the nearest SAQ more than 35 kilometres away, he warned that the move contradicts efforts to encourage local economic development.
Stone also emphasized the impact on Stanstead’s growing population and tourism sector. “We are seeing an increase in new residents from larger urban centres who are drawn to the relaxed lifestyle and outdoor activities we offer,” he noted. “This decision threatens not only local businesses but the overall economic fabric of our town.”
He stressed that the SAQ, as a provincially run monopoly, should consider its broader economic responsibilities rather than focusing solely on financial performance. “They’re not saying these stores aren’t profitable. They’re just not profitable enough,” he said. “That’s not a valid reason to abandon communities that rely on them.”
