Summerland Winery Expands Its Horizons: Now Serving the U.S. Market with Exquisite Wines!

Ron Kubek, the owner of Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland, has turned heads with a surprising claim. He argues that selling wine in the United States is often cheaper than selling it from one province to another within Canada. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant barrier for Canadian businesses.

Kubek points to high internal tariffs and markups imposed by provincial governments, especially in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. “Even with U.S. import tariffs, it’s more affordable to sell into the U.S. than into other provinces,” he says. This issue, he feels, reflects poor policy decisions that undermine Canadian unity.

After a harsh winter in January 2024 that destroyed many of his grapes, Kubek adapted by sourcing wine from Washington State for his new Cross Border Collection. These wines, while made with U.S. grapes, are bottled in Canada. Interestingly, he notes that foreign wines tend to enjoy better treatment in Canada compared to domestic products from other provinces. The internal markups on Canadian wines can climb to as high as 140%, while wines from places like France or California do not face the same hurdles.

Kubek has called for policymakers to simplify the trade process for wineries. “I’m not asking for a handout; I’m just asking for the government to get out of my way,” he states firmly.

He’s not the only voice in this conversation. The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce recently highlighted the urgent need to eliminate barriers to inter-provincial trade. Maryse Harvey, the chamber’s president, stressed that the problem has been neglected for too long. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade echoed these sentiments, stating that Canada’s trade barriers hinder economic growth and consumer choice. Despite the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), introduced in 2017 to mitigate these issues, many businesses still face inconsistent regulations and barriers.

The challenge of inter-provincial trade limitations isn’t new. Historically, these issues have persisted since Canada’s formation, reflecting a divide between provinces that hampers economic synergy. As recent data shows, barriers to trade can significantly impact local economies, leading to lost growth opportunities. A 2022 report indicated that over $50 billion in economic activity is stifled each year due to these restrictions.

MP Dan Albas has taken up the challenge, advocating for clearer regulations surrounding the inter-provincial trade of wine. Despite his attempts to address these inconsistencies, hurdles remain, signaling a need for continued dialogue and reform.

The conversations around these trade barriers are gaining momentum online, with many users on social media sharing their frustrations about the challenges of buying local products. The hashtag #SupportCanadianWine has emerged, reflecting a broader public desire for accessible and fair trade practices within the country.

From grape growers to consumers, the call is clear: it’s time to break down the walls that divide Canadian provinces in order to strengthen the economy and foster a more cohesive national identity.

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