Alberta’s Premier took to social media on Wednesday to show she is receiving support including from some on Vancouver Island for her decision to ban imports of B.C. wine.
In a series of tweets Rachel Notley calls “from the inbox”, she shares messages she’s received from British Columbians in the wake of her latest offensive in a growing dispute between the provinces over the proposed Kinder Morgan Trans-Canada pipeline expansion project.
“Our family is for the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. Many of our friends are for this pipeline. 5000 people here in Nanaimo rely on Fort McMurray for their work,” reads a message from John and family in Nanaimo.
From the Inbox: “Our family is for the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. Many of our friends are for this pipeline. 5000 people here in Nanaimo rely on Fort McMurray for their work,” – John and family, Nanaimo BC #abpoli #bcpoli #ableg
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) February 7, 2018
“Good job banning BC wines! Pipelines are essential for road and rail safety. Safety first. Keep up the fight!” writes Jacqueline in Victoria.
From the Inbox: “Good job banning BC wines! Pipelines are essential for road and rail safety. Safety first. Keep up the fight!” – Jacqueline, Victoria BC #bcpoli #abpoli #ableg
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) February 7, 2018
and “I am considering moving to a province that is considerate of its neighbours & the country that it is a part of. I find it appalling that I pay taxes to fight federally approved projects and to feud with provincial neighbours,” writes John in Victoria.
From the inbox: “I am considering moving to a province that is considerate of its neighbours & the country that it is a part of. I find it appalling that I pay taxes to fight federally approved projects and to feud with provincial neighbours. – John, Victoria, BC #abpoli #bcpoli
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) February 7, 2018
Last week, B.C.’s NDP government announced it is looking at rules to limit any increase in the import of diluted bitumen until an independent panel can better analyze whether the system is safe and can adequately deal with a spill disaster — a move that could delay construction on the federally-approved Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project.
On Wednesday, Premier John Horgan said he “will not be distracted” by the neighbouring province’s “retaliatory” moves.
“I’m not responding in any way other than saying I’ll defend our wine industry. I’m here for B.C., not for Alberta,” he said.
“I’ve spoken with the prime minister and the premier of Alberta. I’ve made it clear to both of them that the interests of British Columbians are my priority, nor will I be distracted by the events happening in other jurisdictions.”
“I don’t think it’s in anyone’s interest to have duelling premiers,” he added. “Cooler heads on the other side of the Rockies will prevail.”
Horgan said he’s within his rights to consult with the people of B.C.
“I understand her passion for Alberta [but] I see no ground for the premier to stand on [in arguing otherwise],” he said.
Notley said the wine boycott “is one good step to waking B.C. up to the fact that they can’t attack our industry without a response.”
“This action will harm the B.C. wine industry,” she said. “Alberta will not stand by and be the only province impacted by another province’s refusal to play by the rules.”
In 2017, Alberta imported 17.2 million bottles of B.C. wine with an estimated value of $70 million — the equivalent of about 1.4 million cases.
With files from CBC/Canadian Press
Ben O'Hara
