The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Monday raised concerns over the lack of transparency and progress of implementing direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol shipment policies, despite governments promising action by the end of May.
Small, independent breweries, wineries, and distillers across Canada have been waiting for clearer rules and expanded access to ship their products directly to consumers, noted CFIB. Its data shows that 77% of small businesses think Canadians should have the freedom to order Canadian wine, beer, and craft spirits directly from any province or territory without restrictions.
Several governments have publicly committed to reviewing or updating alcohol distribution frameworks, including a DTC memorandum of understanding (MoU) pointing to the end of May as the target date for implementation. However, with only days remaining before the anticipated deadline, there has been virtually no movement to deliver on those commitments, it stated.
Currently, only Manitoba and New Brunswick permit DTC of all Canadian alcohol products, and Ontario and Nova Scotia have signed a limited reciprocal agreement allowing shipments between the two provinces.
Other jurisdictional agreements continue to be fragmented. Nova Scotia and British Columbia allow DTC shipping of all Canadian wine, and B.C. permits DTC of spirits only from Saskatchewan. Alberta permits DTC shipments of B.C. wine only. Saskatchewan allows DTC shipping of wine and spirits from B.C. only.