The Honourable Garry Begg
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia
Victoria, BC
Via email Garry.Begg.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Dear Mr. Begg
Re: Support for B.C.’s Distillery Industry
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has been active for the past decade on the file requesting more equal treatment of the distilling industry in B.C. – to put it on a par with the winery industry.
One only has to look at and admire the growth of the winery industry and its outstanding leaders both in private enterprise and in government and industry associations over the years to be inspired by their growth and professionalism.
We feel, and have advocated for a number of years, to bring a level playing field to the industry. Make distilling an accepted business in B.C. Dispose of the stigma that spirits alcohol still has in being regulated in a way inconsistent with the regulation of wine, beer and cider.
And bring the interprovincial trade barriers for all alcohol to a halt – especially in this current moment in time when out of country tariffs are causing increasing havoc for many Canadian industries.
We have advocated for the adoption of the BC Business Technical Advisory Panel (BTAP) recommendations since their publication in 2018.
We draw your attention to the current policy on the BC Chamber of Commerce books, written by and submitted by the Kelowna Chamber to the voting body of the BC Chamber in 2023. This policy is active and has gone to government for review and response.
In your role, we call your attention to this policy (there have been other similar policies previously) for review and attention. Normalizing the restrictions on spirits alcohol would incent business throughout B.C. and also present a more fair face to the province’s regulatory environment.
The policy is attached below.
We appreciate your time in looking into this matter, and look forward to an update from your office.
Regards,
Maryse Harvey
President, Kelowna Chamber