Posted July 28, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
We believe wine should bring people together, not be used as a political tool that keeps us apart.
Earlier this year, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith promised to “break down restrictive provincial trade barriers.” She celebrated a new interprovincial shipping agreement with B.C. as a win for consumers and small businesses alike.
And yet, just months later, her government quietly introduced a tax that makes it more expensive for Albertans to enjoy Canadian wine than it would be to import it to the U.S.
Under Alberta’s new markup system:
We’ve been advocating for our industry and consumers on this topic since March. And while we’re still waiting on action, we’re proud to see this issue gaining national attention and are proud to contribute & drive the conversation.
CBC NEWS FEATURE
B.C. wineries call out high fees imposed by Alberta
Premier Danielle Smith often says Alberta wants to lead the way in improving interprovincial trade, but a hefty new fee on wine has B.C. wineries calling out the high cost of selling in the neighbouring province.
GLOBAL NEWS SEGMENT
B.C. wineries call out high fees imposed by Alberta
Efforts between B.C. and Alberta to improve interprovincial trade seem to have hit a roadblock. As Victoria Femia reports, a new hefty fee has left some B.C. wineries losing a chunk of their consumers from our neighbouring province.
At Lightning Rock, we’ve never asked for special treatment. But we are asking for fairness. We believe Canadians should be able to enjoy Canadian wines, no matter which province they live in.
Let’s build a country where local wine can move freely. Where small farms and family wineries aren’t punished for trying to share their craft across provincial lines.
If you believe in a truly fair and open national wine market, here’s how you can help: