By Charles Lefebvre

Alberta launches trade challenge against Ontario regarding liquor imports

Nov 26, 2018 | 4:34 PM

EDMONTON — The provincial government has launched a formal trade challenge against Ontario over its liquor importing policies.

Finance Minister Joe Ceci announced the challenge during a news conference on Monday, while also announcing more support measures for the province’s craft beer industry.

According to a news release from the provincial government, Alberta lists 3,700 products from other parts of Canada, with 745 of those items coming from Ontario. The release claims Ontario only imports approximately 20 products from Alberta.

There are more than 20,000 different liquor products sold on Alberta shelves, the highest number in the country. Alberta products are also sold in Japan, the United States and across the European Union.

“It doesn’t make any sense that it’s easier to sell Alberta beer in Tokyo than it is in Toronto. It’s unacceptable,” Ceci said during a news release. “We’re fighting for the Alberta craft liquor manufacturers who create good jobs here in our province. They deserve a level playing field to sell their products across the country, without unfair trade barriers. We need more trade, not less.”

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The province also announced a new universal small brewer markup for craft breweries in Alberta. Breweries that produce less than 50,000 hectolitres in Annual Worldwide Production will be subject to less than the standard $1.25 per litre markup.

The markup rate will come into effect on Dec. 15, and will replace the Alberta Small Brewers Development Program, which was ruled unconstitutional this summer.

Production and sales counting towards the program will continue to be eligible until December 15.

Alberta currently has 137 liquor manufacturers, including 99 breweries.

by Charles Lefebvre

Alberta launches trade challenge against Ontario regarding liquor imports

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