WATCH: The B.C. government is launching a formal challenge against Alberta’s wine ban. The province says the ban violates Alberta’s obligations under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. It’s now feared Alberta will once again retaliate. And with B.C. budget day tomorrow, the battle is overshadowing what will be the first NDP budget in 17 years.
With the threat of more sanctions from Alberta in the ongoing Trans Mountain pipeline dispute, the B.C. government has announced it is taking action of its own.
The province is formally challenging Alberta’s ban on B.C. wine imports through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement’s (CFTA) dispute settlement process.
Provincial minister of jobs, trade and technology Bruce Ralston says the wine industry is an important contributor to the economy in B.C. and Alberta’s wine ban threatens the livelihoods of families that have helped build the industry.
“These actions are inconsistent with Alberta’s obligations under the CFTA, and we will protect our reputation and the interests of British Columbians,” Ralston said in a release.
The province has notified Alberta of formally requesting consultations and it is the first formal dispute to occur under the new CFTA.
The government says the wine industry is worth $2.8 billion to the provincial economy.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said last week she wants to see progress in the dispute over the pipeline.
Notley has threatened to turn up the heat if B.C. does not reverse the government’s proposal to ban increased bitumen shipments pending a spill safety review.
Talks to buy B.C. electricity have already stopped and Alberta has put together a 19-member panel to find other ways to pressure the John Horgan government.
Alberta says the pipeline is critical to get a better price for its oil and says the shipping restriction effectively kills the pipeline expansion.
Notley says the final say on what is transported through interprovincial pipelines belongs to the federal government, not B.C.
B.C. is appealing a National Energy Board decision that allowed Kinder Morgan Canada to bypass local regulations in the construction of the pipeline.
With files from the Canadian Press.
The B.C. government has announced it is formally challenging Alberta’s ban on wine from B.C. The province is requesting consultations under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Andy Neal
