Image: BC Wine Institute
B.C. is challenging Alberta’s ban on its wines through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston announced the move Monday.
The challenge will be made through the CFTA dispute settlement process.
“B.C.’s wine industry is an important contributor to our economy, creating good jobs and other economic benefits,” Ralston said in a press release. “We’re standing by our wine producers and the communities that rely on this important industry by launching a formal trade dispute, and we are confident we will be successful.”
It will be the first formal dispute to occur under the new CFTA.
“Alberta’s actions threaten the livelihood of the families that have worked so hard to build B.C.’s world-class wine industry,” Ralston said. “These actions are inconsistent with Alberta’s obligations under the CFTA, and we will protect our reputation and the interests of British Columbians.”
The province is also expanding opportunities for small and medium producers to get their products on B.C. liquor store shelves, and additional funding is being provided to market B.C. VQA wines to new international markets.
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