B.C. putting wine on table in asking for resolution

B.C. to challenge Alberta’s ban on wine over pipeline expansion dispute

VANCOUVER — B.C. has turned up the heat in a simmering trade dispute by launching a formal challenge against Alberta’s ban on its wines.

The B.C. government said Monday it notified Alberta it is formally requesting consultations under the Canadian free trade agreement’s dispute settlement process.

The latest salvo is part of a increasingly bitter political tussle over the expansion of bitumen shipments through the Trans Mountain pipeline and the potential environmental consequences.

Alberta’s actions threaten the lives of families that have worked to build B.C.’s wine industry, said Trade Minister Bruce Ralston.

“I think what is important is standing up for B.C. wineries, B.C. businesses and B.C. jobs,” he said during a news conference.

The ban has implications across the country, Ralston added.

“The Canadian Free Trade Agreement is an agreement signed by all provinces and all territories, so it has national scope and it’s our view that this dispute engages questions that should be considered by every jurisdiction in the federation.”

Initial discussions will take place between officials from both governments, Ralston said, and if they can’t resolve the dispute within 120 days, the issue will go to a tribunal.