By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The province’s inter-provincial wine deal with Alberta kicked in from today (Jan. 7) enabling direct-to-consumer wine sales by BC wineries under the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) program .
“The direct to consumer wine sales program that we reached agreement with Alberta on recently comes into force today, and so Alberta wine drinkers will be able to again enjoy the best wines in the world,” said Premier David Eby during a press conference today.
BC and Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-July 2024 enabling a path forward for BC wineries to sell directly to customers after the Alberta government put a cork in the practice.
Although volumes are not massive the loss of this sales channel was simply another blow to an already beleaguered wine industry which was devastated by last year’s January cold snap.
The agreement between the two provinces sees BC collecting taxes on behalf of the Alberta government, effectively resolving the trade dispute. The agreement will run for one year, at which time it will be evaluated on its effectiveness.
“I want to thank Premier David Eby and Premier Danielle Smith for showing the leadership to break down interprovincial trade barriers and build a stronger Canadian economy,” said Wine Growers BC Board Chair Paul Sawler. “This is a significant milestone for the Canadian wine industry, one we hope can serve as a model across the country.”
“By working collaboratively with Alberta, we’re supporting economic growth and strengthening ties between our provinces. I am proud to celebrate this milestone with BC’s wine producers,” Eby said.
“We are doing work across the country to ensure that we’re reducing these barriers and ensuring that we’re trading as effectively as possible within Canada, responding to the threat of tariffs as well,” he added in reference to a Donald Trump pledge to arbitrarily impose taxes on Canadian goods upon taking office.
The two provincial governments appear to be aligned in growing opportunities for producers in both provinces. “We take pride in leading the charge towards enhanced provincial trade,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. “This initiative marks a significant first step in establishing an open and free market for liquor, paving the way for expanded opportunities for Alberta’s producers.”
Wine Growers BC has long advocated for interprovincial free trade across Canada, with a particular focus on Alberta due to the province’s proximity and the long-standing relationship between the two provinces.
Eby said that while he could not speak for Alberta he understands the issue was not significant for the province, but it was nonetheless an “irritant”.
“It wasn’t a significant amount of money from the perspective of the Alberta budget that they were concerned about, it was just a matter of fair treatment that they wanted to address in terms of the importing of BC products into Alberta. And so we were happy to work with them on that.
It’s also not expected to make a significant difference in the price that end consumers are paying, Eby added, “but it does ensure, from the perspective of Alberta, fair treatment for BC products consistent with the treatment of Alberta products, which is what I understand the issue is.”
“Our work with Alberta continues on many fronts, so I want to express my appreciation to the Alberta administration that we’re able to resolve that and look forward to more work getting done.”
