Ottawa, ON – Mark Carney told Canadians he would deliver “One Canadian Economy” with “a plan to remove barriers to internal trade” and “eliminate all federal barriers” by Canada Day 2025. After promises that “businesses can sell their products anywhere,” Canadians still face an internal trade blockade to our own wine, beer and spirits, proving his promises were all an illusion
That’s why Dan Albas, Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, and Pierre Poilievre, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, announced Bill C-262, which would enable Canada Post to pick up and deliver beer, wine and spirits directly to Canadians across the country. This would amend existing rules where “intoxicating beverages” are only allowed to be shipped within one province.
“In the 21st century, online shopping has become ubiquitous with its wide selection and the convenience of home delivery,” said MP Albas. “But there’s still one thing most Canadians can’t buy directly: liquor produced in another province. It’s ridiculous that, as we’ve seen people increasingly choosing to buy Canadian, they’re blocked from buying Canadian wine, beer and spirits.”
In many cases, these rules make it easier to send Canadian-produced booze to foreign countries than to other provinces. One Okanagan producer said it was easier to send his sparkling wine to London, England, than it is to send it to London, Ontario.
“Carney promised that we would have free trade in Canada by July 1, 2025,” Poilievre said. “Yet for most Canadians, it’s easier to buy wine from overseas than from other provinces. Canada must become stronger at home, and that starts with trading more with ourselves. This bill will strengthen our businesses and make us more self-reliant, giving us unbreakable leverage abroad.”
“For too long, Canadian wineries have faced more barriers selling wine to another province than to another country,” said Ron Kubek, Owner of Lightning Rock Winery. “Dan Albas has been one of the few leaders willing to challenge that system. This bill finally puts consumers and small producers first.”
The Bill builds on previous Conservative efforts introduced in 2020 to enable the delivery of alcoholic beverages across provinces, with a petition in support of a previous bill garnering thousands of signatures. Yet despite support from industry, consumers and a policy framework ready to go, Liberals have failed to eliminate this trade barrier.
“Enabling small and medium-sized producers to reach customers nationwide would help them grow and would strengthen our economy,” Jasmin Guénette, Vice President of National Affairs for the CFIB, noted. “Canadians want the ability to purchase beer, wine, and spirits from producers anywhere in the country. Allowing free movement of these products would provide greater choice and support Canadian small businesses.”
“Conservatives have always believed in free trade, and there is nobody better to trade with than ourselves,” Albas concluded. “My bill will increase choice for Canadians, support our businesses and producers by expanding their customer base, and strengthen the local economies across our great nation.”