The B.C. NDP government is using an interprovincial trade deal reached under the previous government to challenge AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 move to block B.C. wine at the border.

ItB次元官网网址檚 the first action under the Canadian Free Trade AgreementB次元官网网址檚 dispute resolution system, said Bruce Ralston, B.C.B次元官网网址檚 jobs, trade and technology minister. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley surprised B.C. by announcing the wine ban shortly after the B.C. government announced its plan to restrict diluted bitumen transport via an expanded TransMountain pipeline from Alberta to southwestern B.C. port facilities.

B次元官网网址淎lbertaB次元官网网址檚 action threatens the livelihood of families that have worked so hard to build B.C.B次元官网网址檚 world-class wine industry,B次元官网网址� Ralston said. B次元官网网址淭hese actions are inconsistent with AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 obligations under the CFTA, and we will protect our reputation and the interests of British Columbians.B次元官网网址�

Speaking to reporters after the filing, Ralston said the action has to be filed within 120 days of a suspected violation, and B.C. has a solid case that barring its wine from Alberta stores isnB次元官网网址檛 allowed. The initial discussion is between provincial officials and there is a B次元官网网址渟trong possibilityB次元官网网址� it could be solved without being referred for a ruling, he said.

B次元官网网址淲hat weB次元官网网址檙e concerned about now is the opportunity to discuss this issue and to dialogue with the government of Alberta about the issues that are raised,B次元官网网址� Ralston said.

Notley and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have insisted that B.C. does not have the authority to hold up a pipeline project that falls under federal jurisdiction.

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B.C. Liberal critic Jas Johal said Alberta is retaliating against an NDP government acting like a B次元官网网址渂anana republicB次元官网网址� trying to change the rules of a pipeline project after it has been approved.

BCLiberal says changing rules on is a threat to investment too

B次元官网网址� Tom Fletcher (@tomfletcherbc)

The previous B.C. Liberal government pushed to open up trade between provinces, establishing its own agreement with Alberta and Saskatchewan that came to be known as the New West Partnership. It bound provinces to permit free flow of goods and labour across provincial borders, and became the basis for the broader CFTA.