MP Ron Cannan and MP Dan Albas Receive Inaugural BC Wine Institute Industry Recognition Award
July 10, 2013 (Kelowna, BC) – The BC Wine Institute’s (BCWI) Annual General Meeting, held July 9 at Spirit Ridge Resort in Osoyoos, saw the introduction of the BCWI Industry Recognition Award. This award was established to recognize individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the BC Wine Industry.
BCWI Chair Josie Tyabji had the honour of presenting the inaugural awards to MP Ron Cannan and MP Dan Albas for their combined work in the passing of Bill C-311 and the federal deregulation of direct-to-consumer wine shipments.
On June 28, 2012, The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, announced that Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, Dan Albas’ Private Member’s Bill C-311 received Royal Assent. The amendment to the Importati
on of Intoxicating Liquors Act (IILA), removed the federal restrictions prohibiting individuals from moving wine from one province to another when purchased for personal use.
“The Industry Recognition Award allows us to acknowledge those who celebrate the BC Wine Industry and thank them for their support of BC VQA wines,” notes BCWI Executive Director Miles Prodan. “We felt it very fitting that MPs Albas
and Cannan received the award this year for their tireless work on Bill C-311. The
industry truly appreciates their efforts, and this is one way for us to show our gratitude.”
Although there has been great work done by MP Albas and MP Cannan to get Bill C-311 passed federally, there is still a lot of work to be done in most provinces. Currently, British Columbia and Manitoba are the only two provinces that allow direct-to-consumer shipments from other Canadian wine regions. To learn more about how you can help, visit www.FreeMyGrapes.ca.
About British Columbia Wine Institute
Since 1990, the BCWI has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing quality wine tourism experiences.
Representing 131 member wineries throughout the province, the BCWI supports and markets the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA), which gives consumers assurance they are buying a wine that is 100% from BC. The BCWI also markets the Wine Regions of British Columbia; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of its members. Learn more at www.winebc.com.
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