Wine lovers in Alberta and British Columbia will continue to have direct access to their favourite bottles following the renewal of a key interprovincial trade agreement.
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The Alberta government announced it renewed a memorandum of understanding with British Columbia on April 17, ensuring direct-to-consumer wine sales remain legal and streamlined between the two provinces.
The deal, which is set to remain in effect until March 31, 2027, aims to cut red tape for producers while expanding selection for consumers.
“Alberta already has the most open liquor market in Canada, and we’re not slowing down,” said Dale Nally, minister of service Alberta and red tape reduction. “We’re knocking down barriers to give consumers more choice, while helping local businesses in our province grow.”
Levelling the Playing Field
The agreement addresses long-standing concerns regarding tax collection and “fair share” fees. Under the renewed terms, out-of-province wineries must pay provincial fees equivalent to what local retailers pay, ensuring the Alberta government does not lose out on revenue from direct shipments.
For B.C.’s more than 300 licensed grape wineries, the deal provides a stable path to reach Alberta customers, who currently have access to over 34,000 different liquor products through the province’s privatized system.
Boosting Local Producers
While B.C. wine is a staple for many Albertans, the agreement also highlights the growth of Alberta’s domestic industry. As of early 2026, Alberta is home to 26 licensed wine and mead producers. The deal ensures these local businesses have reciprocal access to B.C. customers.
Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery, praised the move as a step toward better interprovincial trade.
“Alberta, by doing this, is showing that it is leading Canada in opening up interprovincial trade,” Kubek said.
The provinces noted the agreement is part of a broader effort to modernize liquor systems and provide a permanent solution for Canadian wineries seeking to navigate provincial borders.
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