Note: FreeMyGrapes.ca issued this press release today on MP Dan Albas’ private members bill that was introduced in parliament to enable to free flow of wine between provincial borders. Here is the release:
FreeMyGrapes.ca, on behalf of wine lovers across Canada, congratulates Dan Albas, a new Member of Parliament (MP) representing BC’s Okanagan-Coquihalla riding, for tabling Private Members Bill – An Act to amend the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (interprovincial importation of wine for personal use).
This bill will amend the 1928 statute, Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (IILA) by providing for a personal exemption for the shipment of wine for personal consumption between provinces. Most importantly, this exemption includes both personally accompanied wine and wine ordered by phone, online or through a wine club.
FreeMyGrapes.ca is campaign of the Alliance of Canadian Wine Consumers – a grassroots, non-partisan, non-profit organization. Established in November 2010, FreeMyGrapes.ca has worked to raise awareness of the need to amend the archaic 1928 law that makes it a criminal offense to Canadian citizens to ship alcohol between provinces.
The summer of 2011 saw a step forward with many provincial/territorial liquor boards stating that they allowed ‘importation’ of largely varying amounts of wine into their territory as long as it was personally accompanied. None, however, allow for any phone, online or wine club orders.
It’s time the law was brought into the 21st century. This bill is a major step forward in our campaign to let Canadians buy more Canadian wine.
It is important that wine lovers across Canada write, email or phone their MPs to let them know they need to support this bill. Sample letters and MP contact information can be found on our website at FreeMyGrapes.
For more information contact:
Shirley-Ann George, President, Alliance of Canadian Wine Consumers
C: 613 293-8487
Dan Albas, Member of Parliament, Okanagan-Coquihalla
P: 613-995-1702
Shirley-Ann is a hero for her work on this project. She doesn’t work in the industry, she has no affiliations with wineries, she just simply thought the 1928 IILA was ridiculous and needed to be changed.
Her grassroots campaign has been more effective than anything the industry groups have done. Everyone in the Canadian wine industry owes her a debt of gratitude.
Jeff, She has done a wonderful job with this campaign.
I agree, Shirley-Ann is a hero for her continued support and perseverance for this cause. I appreciate the skill and expertise she has brought to the table in helping us communicate the many positive benefits from changing this prohibition era law.
I look forward to working with her and other groups who see Bill C-311 as a positive step in the right direction.
sincerely,
Dan Albas MP,
Okanagan-Coquihalla
Dan, Good luck to you in this great initiative.