Should the province step in to support B.C.’s wine industry? – vote

The leader of the BC United Party is calling for support for the besieged wine industry and slamming the provincial government for its inaction on the issue.

Kevin Falcon said in a press release Tuesday that Premier David Eby and his government are working hard to support the wine industry, which has been hit hard by the cold snap, and Alberta’s efforts to halt direct-to-consumer BC wine sales to the province. He said there was a need to support the government.

“Over the past 20 years, British Columbia has made a name for itself as a world-class wine region,” Falcon said. “The wine industry is essential to countless communities in our province, and without it there would be a devastating impact on local economies, tourism, hospitality and many British Columbia families.”

“Successive BC Liberal governments and the current BC United government have fostered this industry through supportive tax and regulatory policies, but the industry faces challenges in 2024 and beyond, so the current government It is vitally important that we foster support so that BC wine can continue to produce and prosper even further for generations to come. ”

The BC United Party wants the government to:

• Established an emergency working group to work with British Columbia’s wine industry and the federal government to develop solutions and help local wine producers and producers address wine shortages expected to last for the next three to four years. Identify the level of financial support you need to get through.

• Prioritize the creation of Canadian Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) certification.

• Temporarily expand existing tax incentives for wines made with 100% B.C. grapes to include wines produced in B.C. using 100% Canadian grapes.

• Work with the Government of Ontario and Ontario wine producers to reduce barriers to importing Ontario grapes and juices to prevent the need for imports from Washington State.

• Immediately schedule a meeting with Alberta Premier Daniel Smith to resolve the issue where Alberta is actively harming B.C.’s wine industry without legal basis.

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