As NDP government stands up for B.C. wine, Andrew Wilkinson refuses to condemn Alberta’s illegal actions

VICTORIA – B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson is choosing to side with Alberta over B.C. even though he should know better, said Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley.

“Last week, Premier Horgan challenged Andrew Wilkinson in question period to condemn Alberta’s actions as illegal, but he refused,” said Ralston. “It’s disappointing that he is choosing to side with Alberta’s illegal actions instead of protecting jobs in B.C.”

Ralston, who is the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, announced earlier today that the B.C. government is formally challenging Alberta’s ban on B.C. wines through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement’s (CFTA) dispute settlement process.

“Andrew Wilkinson is refusing to acknowledge that Alberta’s actions violate the Canada Free Trade Agreement even though the B.C. Liberal government signed this agreement,” said Ralston. “I’m proud to be taking action to protect B.C. jobs in the face of Alberta’s unfair attack on wine industry.”