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We are shocked that the Alberta Premier and Government are aggressively boycotting BC wineries over a yet-to-be-determined British Columbia government policy in a different sector.
A working free-trade relationship between Alberta and British Columbia is imperative to securing economic wellbeing for Canada.
The BC wine industry has worked hard to build a positive relationship and partnership with Alberta, particularly in the wine, culinary and tourism sectors, including having collaborated on multiple campaigns directly with the AGLC.
We are disappointed that this political decision is threatening our progress and threatening the successes that have benefited small businesses in both the Alberta and BC economies.
The BCWI believes that it is important for all Canadian provinces to work together and trade together to strengthen our position nationally and internationally. We are very surprised by today's announcement.
FACTS
- 30 per cent of all wine sold in Alberta is from BC, with a retail value of $160 million
- Alberta is the second most important market for BC wine (behind BC itself)
- A recent poll conducted by the Canada Vintners' Association indicates that 85 per cent of Albertans support interprovincial direct-to-customer wine shipping
- We remain resolute in our mission to expand sales opportunities for our 276 BC grape wineries, most of which are small, family owned and operated businesses
