How do provincial trade barriers impact Alberta’s craft liquor market?

Central Edmonton, just south of Whyte Ave, is commonly called ‘Happy Beer Street’ because of all the breweries and distilleries. 

Just as patio season starts, the province is looking to celebrate Alberta’s craft liquor industry, while Canada’s prime minister has pledged to make it easier to sell across the country.

“Alberta has the most competitive beer market in Canada. So anytime the powers that be decide to shine a light on the stuff that’s made right here is always going to help us,” explained Cole Boyd, a co-owner of Bent Sticl Brewing.

The owners of Bent Stick Brewing in Edmonton are welcoming a new campaign from Alberta’s Tourism and Liquor Control Board to promote what they say are nearly 250 local breweries and distilleries across the province.

The AGLC and Travel Alberta told CityNews they’re hoping local liquor makers can tap into a global beer tourism market they estimate will be worth nearly $20 billion by 2029. 

But while the province is hoping to bring people in to enjoy beverages, what about selling those beverages outside of Alberta?

On Wednesday in Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to lower taxes for Canadians by Canada Day, but that’s not the only pledge from the new prime minister. 

During the federal election campaign, Carney promised to come up with a plan to eliminate provincial trade barriers by July 1st as well, as a response to U.S. tariffs. 

Boyd isn’t sure how his business will fit into this, saying right now, it’s hard to get Alberta alcohol to eastern provinces due to different provincial standards.

“Often it would be like a subjective tasting panel, and so you can send your beer there, and there’s a group of people who will say ‘Yes, it’s good enough’ or ‘No, it’s not good enough.’ It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be selected on its merit. It’s not a very transparent process,” Boyd explained.

It’s unclear what removing federal trade barriers will look like, but on Wednesday, Ontario and Manitoba signed a deal to boost the movement of goods between their provinces.

Back at home, a spokesperson for the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction highlighted how the province has already made strides in eliminating provincial trade barriers for alcohol, including an agreement with British Columbia to ship wine directly to consumers.

“We are hopeful that this will serve as a springboard for future agreements with other provinces, as well as discussions on how to further reduce barriers impacting the interprovincial trade of liquor,” read a statement from Brandon Aboultaif, the press secretary for the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.