VICTORIA, B.C. - Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party today called for the BC government to take immediate mitigation steps to help provide support for BC 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 BC 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 licenced 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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