The collapse of talks with the United States has added urgency to reducing trade barriers within Canada, but experts say it’s not a simple fix.
Efforts to boost interprovincial trade have ramped up recently. Nine provinces agreed last month to allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provincial lines.
But even this kind of progress, dealing with a niche side of the booze industry, shows the challenges of opening up sales. Some provinces have added on extra charges and rules, on top of what producers face in their home province.
“Having to pay two wholesale markups—that’s just lunacy,” said Jeff Guignard, chief executive officer of Wine Growers British Columbia….