The NWT and Nunavut governments say they chose not to sign a Canada-wide direct-to-consumer alcohol agreement because of “unique realities” in the two territories.
As premiers meet in Charlottetown, PEI this week, most provinces were also signing on to a deal that allows brewers and distillers to ship alcohol nationwide.
Nova Scotia – which is a signatory – said British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario were also signing up, while Quebec and the Yukon “are anticipated to sign at a later date.”
The practical impact of the agreement is that producers of alcohol will be able to sell wine, beer and spirits directly to consumers in any of the jurisdictions who are signatories, removing what leaders have described as a major trade barrier.
In a joint statement, the NWT and Nunavut governments said they were “in favour of the broader goal of improving internal trade” but the alcohol agreement was not workable in the North.
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“The agreement allows consumers to purchase alcohol directly from a brewery, winery, or distillery and have it shipped to their home; however, many of our communities have locally determined alcohol restrictions or prohibitions that reflect community priorities and cultural values,” the statement read.
“Respecting community self-determination is fundamental to how alcohol is managed in the North. We believe any changes to alcohol distribution must be consistent with those locally established systems and the choices made by communities.
“The Northwest Territories and Nunavut remain committed to working collaboratively with our provincial and territorial partners to advance internal trade while ensuring that northern circumstances and community decision-making continue to be respected,” said the governments.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he met by video with provincial and territorial leaders on Tuesday to discuss trade talks with the United States and new 50-percent tariffs announced by Donald Trump on some Canadian products, said to be in retaliation for the removal of American alcohol from some Canadian shelves, among other factors.
In a statement, Carney’s office said he “underscored that Canada remains ready to engage with the US for the mutual benefit of both countries.”
Carney’s office said the prime minister also “commended premiers on the significant steps they have taken together, alongside the federal government, to unlock our natural resources, increase our energy capacity, and build critical infrastructure needed to ensure Canada’s economy is stronger, more resilient, and more independent.”
