B.C.’s premier urging Alberta to step back from threatening position

Political leaders and officials, including British Columbia’s premier, have been weighing in on Alberta’s decision to boycott B.C. wines.

John Horgan issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon.

“We’re making life better for British Columbians by focusing on affordability and solutions to housing and childcare. We’re working for people. As part of that work, our government has every right to consult with British Columbians on the best possible measures to protect our lands and waters from potential impacts of diluted bitumen spills.”

“If Alberta disagrees they can make that argument in the proper venue, in our court system. Our consultation on proposed new regulations hasn’t even begun, but Alberta has seen fit to take measures to impact BC businesses.”

“I urge Alberta to step back from this threatening position. We stand with BC wine producers and will respond to the unfair trade actions announced today,” writes Horgan.

Agriculture critic Ian Paton from the BC Liberal Party was also quick to weigh in.

“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,” writes 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 jobs across B.C. He needs to stop playing games – these are people’s livelihoods.”

In Alberta, new leader of the Opposition Jason Kenney writes that he supports Premier Notley’s position.

“As I’ve said for months, Alberta must respond to efforts to block our key export with actions, not words.” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, there is no new comment on the situation from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Justin Trudeau’s press secretary referred 660 NEWS to recent comments made by Ministers Carr, LeBlanc and Garneau on why they approved the Kinder Morgan pipeline and said there were no new comments.

B.C Wines President Miles Prodan writes they were shocked and surprised by the announcement.

“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 with the AGLC.”

“We are disappointed that this political decision is threatening our progress and threatening the successes that have benefitted small businesses in both the Alberta and BC economies.”

According to their figures, 30 per cent of all wine sold in Alberta is from BC with a retail value of $160 million and Alberta is the second most important market for BC wine behind BC itself.

Jan Nelson, the Director of Sales at the Oliver-based Tinhorn Creek Vineyards says they sell up to 20 per cent of their stock to Alberta every year so sales could take a big hit.

“It really depends on how long the stock will be and also whether they’ll be willing to sell the wine they already have in Alberta so you’re probably looking at $100,000 a month,” he said.

Nelson adds they get many visitors from Alberta every year who expect to find some favourite Okanagan wines on store shelves in their province so if this dispute stretches out, Tinhorn will have to seek other markets.

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