B.C. Greens call for Government support of B.C. Wine industry
Today we issued a media release calling on the BC Government to promote the BC wine industry in light of Alberta’s recent petty announcement that it was initiating a boycott. I reproduce our media release below.
On a slightly different note, readers who might think that the BC Liberals were good for the BC Wine industry might wish to think again. Their mismanagement of the BC Wine Institute VQA specialty licenses has led to NAFTA and WTO challenges by the US and Australia, respectively.
There was no need to create new licenses as the existing ones had already been grandparented in. There would have been no grounds for challenges if they had simply left things alone.
I warned the BC Liberals in 2015 that this was likely going to happen. Unfortunately this is now yet another mess created by the BC Liberals that has to be cleaned up.
Media Release
B.C. Greens call for Government support of B.C. Wine industry
For immediate release
February 10, 2018
VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party today called for the B.C. government to take immediate mitigation steps to help provide support for B.C. wineries.
“B.C.’s wine industry is a provincial treasure that brings significant tourism and economic activity to our province,” Weaver said.
“More than that, it represents the best of our province – innovators who have developed their businesses into an internationally renowned region. Today we are calling for the provincial government to take decisive action to support these businesses who have been unfairly targeted by a neighbouring government.”
Specific mitigation measures currently supported by the B.C. Greens include:
- Launch a “Drink Local” program to encourage British Columbians to buy wine from BC wineries, including a promotional campaign in BC Liquor Stores and a province wide advertising campaign to encourage the purchase of 100% BC craft alcohol.
- Explore whether wholesale prices could be provided to licensed restaurants to encourage the purchase and promotion of wine for BC wineries.
- Provide funding to increase BC VQA export sales in other Canadian provinces and to international markets.
“The B.C. Green Caucus is 100% behind the government’s decision to ensure that major decisions are based on sound evidence – something that was not the case in the approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline. It is incredibly petty that the Alberta NDP government has chosen to go after small business in B.C. in response and we hope all British Columbians will we stand with us in support of our coastline and in support of our wineries.”
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Media contact
Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary
+1 778-650-0597 | jillian.oliver@leg.bc.ca
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5 Comments
Why is it that politicians chose to distort the facts, and find their own way to break the law?
For decades BC lumber has moved across Alberta uninterrupted to markets in Eastern Canada and the United States. Why now, does the Green Party support breaking the free flow of products from one province to another?
We all need to respect the law, and do what is truly right for this nation… not what is in the self serving interest of a few individuals, who lack the support of the majority of BC residents. There is still an opportunity to correct this politely – before the next election.
Good ideas! The whole Kinder Morgan debacle is like watching toddlers who yet lack the skills to reason out their actions.
Trudeau is the bully, with his my way or the highway approach, and his, “I know what’s best for Canada”, and “it’s safe because I say so”’ style of sunny ways governing.
Notley is his sidekick, who gets protection and goodies from Trudeau for keeping Kenny out of the yard, has decided to throw a tantrum ‘cause we don’t like her toys. She tells her friends not to play with our toys then.
But wait, these are the parents. Not how to inspire respect and cooperation in the family!
Thank you, Mr. Weaver, for reminding us that our yard is perfectly nice, and to invite other friends to play. We love it here, and will continue to protect it.
Happy Family Day Weekend
No comment really on the issue itself other than I support the BC Wine industry. Just wondering why you chose this pic of Pepper’s Grocery store. Cadboro Bay Village is a vibrant little community. As a local resident and proud as I am of the store that bears my dear late father’s name, there is a wine store just 3 doors up from Pepper’s.
Hi Susan, I chose the picture solely as it was on the original posting I did on the Specialty Wine Auctions.
Excellent points! Buying BC here. :-)