VICTORIA, B.C.: David Eby swore there was “not a chance in hell” American alcohol would return to B.C. shelves. Now, as Ottawa works toward a trade deal and other premiers openly discuss restocking U.S. products, Eby suddenly has nothing to say. Asked whether B.C.’s ban was even discussed in his federal briefing, he refused to answer.
The B.C. Conservative Caucus argued from the start that the ban should be leverage, not permanent policy – and that it should be accompanied by a plan to get B.C. craft sprits into liquor store shelves. Eby spent seventeen months insisting it was untouchable. Now, as Ottawa negotiates, his government appears ready to adopt the Conservative position on tariff negotiations.
“Forestry has already been hit hard by these tariffs, and workers can’t afford more uncertainty while Eby sorts out his messaging on alcohol,” said Ward Stamer, Shadow Minister for Forestry. “The priority coming out of these trade talks has to be protecting B.C. jobs, not provoking our largest trading partner and prolonging a trade war that’s already cost this province enough.”
While Eby postured on the ban, B.C.’s own craft distillers were still waiting on a promise he made in 17 months ago.
“David Eby called the removal of US liquor from BC liquor stores ‘an excellent opportunity’ for B.C. distillers,” said Gavin Dew, Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “The NDP promised to get local craft spirits onto shelves within weeks but dumped the opportunity down the drain. If American liquor returns before local distillers get the access Eby promised, it will be a clear sign the NDP left small businesses behind. If the federal government wants to use access to B.C. consumers as a bargaining chip, protecting BC jobs had better be a firm part of their negotiating mandate.”
“David Eby doesn’t govern, he engages in theatrics,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Official Opposition. “For seventeen months, he insisted this ban was untouchable. Now, with a trade deal in sight, and pressure from his Massey Tunnel financier, Mark Carney, he’s refusing to answer basic questions and appears ready to adopt the very approach our caucus advocated all along. If he’s changing course, British Columbians deserve honesty about why, not another carefully managed act.”
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