The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is telling the Ford government that tearing up the 10-year contract with The Beer Store, in order to allow the sale of beer and wine in corner stores, is bad for business.

(Fred Lum/Globe and Mail)

President and CEO Rocco Rossi says cancelling the contract signed by the previous Wynne government sends an alarming message to the business community in the province and beyond.

Legislation that would end that contract is expected to pass Thursday.

Finance Minister Vic Fedeli says the chamber of commerce should support it.

“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce should join us in supporting consumers, supporting businesses and in supporting our craft brewers.”

The business advocacy group says it supports modernizing the sale of alcohol in a more competitive market, but that breaking a legitimate contract is short-sighted.

The Beer Store’s threatening to challenge the bill in court.