April 11, 2025 All, Blog

Canada moves to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers

As of April 2025, the regulations governing interprovincial wine shipping in Canada are in a state of transition due to recent governmental efforts to eliminate internal trade barriers. On March 5, 2025, Canada’s First Ministers announced their commitment to facilitate direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales across provincial boundaries, aiming to ensure that all Canadians have access to Canadian-made goods, including wine. ​

Prior to this announcement, only a few provinces permitted DTC wine shipments:​

  • British Columbia (BC): Allowed DTC sales of Canadian wine from other provinces without collecting additional fees. ​

  • Manitoba: Maintained open borders for alcohol sales since 2012, without experiencing significant drops in provincial liquor revenue. ​

  • Nova Scotia: Permitted DTC sales of Canadian wine from other provinces without adverse effects.

  • Alberta: Introduced a system requiring producers to pay a flat fee per bottle for DTC sales, though recent changes indicate potential increases in these fees.

In contrast, provinces like Ontario and Quebec had restrictions preventing wineries from shipping products directly to consumers, often requiring purchases to go through provincial liquor boards.

The March 2025 commitment by the First Ministers represents a significant shift towards harmonizing these regulations. However, the implementation of these changes requires coordination at both federal and provincial levels. As of now, specific details and timelines for enacting these reforms are pending. Therefore, while the intent to liberalize interprovincial wine shipping is clear, the current rules remain in flux.​

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the liquor control authorities of the respective provinces or refer to official government communications regarding the progress of these regulatory changes.​

Canada moves to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers