B.C. already seeking new wine markets in Asia, United States

Premier John Horgan says he plans to intensify efforts to find new markets for B.C. wine, which was already being done before Alberta’s boycott over the Trans Mountain pipeline.

Horgan said he promoted the industry during a recent trip to China, South Korea and Japan, and plans to discuss increasing the province’s market share south of the border on a trip to Washington state next month.

“We are defending industries right now,” Horgan said Thursday. “We’ve made it clear that we are going to be seeking new markets to replace any lost market we may have in Alberta.”

The wine prohibition is the latest escalation of a dispute between the provinces over the pipeline expansion project by Kinder Morgan Canada Ltd.

B.C. announced plans last week to review limits on diluted bitumen shipments until it’s confident a spill can be cleaned up. Alberta responded by halting talks on buying electricity from B.C. before it banned wine imports from its neighbour. Alberta says it imported about 17 million bottles of B.C. wine last year, worth an estimated $160 million retail.

Horgan said the province is investigating whether the ban violates interprovincial trade agreements.

“We’re reviewing our options and we’ll take action when appropriate,” he added,

Horgan maintains the proposal to limit diluted bitumen shipments isn’t meant to be provocative, but is aimed at protecting B.C.’s environment and economy.