It’s grapevine versus pipeline as the B.C. wine industry faces significant economic losses following a ban on the export of wine to Alberta.
The ban was put in place this week by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley who said her government would stop the import of B.C. wine.
Stop the #HorganWineWar. pic.twitter.com/tGMmtABthb
— Ian Paton (@IanPatonDelta) February 8, 2018
Her shot across the bow comes after B.C. Premier John Horgan said a public consultation was needed to consider restricting an increase in bitumen flow to B.C.’s coast in another attempt to prevent the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, a project the federal government has already approved.
Caught in the middle of this battle of the grapes are wineries such as Westham Island’s Angel Estate Winery. Manager Errol Sherley said the ban will have negative impacts throughout the industry.
“We are angry about it. It will have serious effects on our sales to Alberta,” Sherley said. “This is a government that doesn’t like small business it seems. It just hurts our bottom line.”
He said with B.C. wines not available to Albertans, consumers will now turn to cheaper American brands.
“It’s just going to hurt us in terms of our Canadian reputation and sales,” he said. “And with many consumers if they get the taste of other wines they will not come back to the good quality, wholesome wine that is made in the neighbouring province in the same country.”
Delta South MLA and Liberal agriculture critic Ian Paton said it’s time for Horgan to stop his trade spat with Alberta.
“This has gotten absurd. You now have two NDP governments fighting a trade war over a project that has received approval from the federal government, who has the final say in this,” said Paton. “As the premier looks to delay and defer decisions, his inability to stand up to pressure from his junior Green partners is now threatening agricultural jobs across B.C. He needs to stop playing games — these are people’s livelihoods.”
Paton said the B.C. wine industry’s $2.8 billion economic impact is a significant driver of the province’s economy and more than 12,000 people in every region of the province have jobs related to the industry.
“I get it, the BC NDP are trying to throw a bone to the Greens after the premier reluctantly approved Site C,” said Paton. “Unfortunately, this trade spat is simply a lose-lose for everyone. We have agricultural workers who are going to lose jobs and Albertans who are going to lose out on our premium wine. British Columbians shouldn’t be in the cross-fire of NDP governments fighting.”
Notley has indicated that she could escalate her stance against B.C. if the federal government does not intervene, while Horgan said there are bigger issues facing the province that need his attention.
