Finance Committee on March 27th, 2012
Evidence of meeting #50 for Finance in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was wine.
A recording is available from Parliament.
On the agenda
MPs speaking
Also speaking
- Hanspeter Stutz As an Individual
- Ivonne Martinez President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
- Rowland Dunning Executive Director, Canadian Association of Liquor Jurisdictions
- Dan Paszkowski President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Vintners Association
- Harry McWatters Time Estate Winery, Vintage Consulting Group Inc.
- Janice Ruddock Managing Director, Winery Association of Nova Scotia
March 27th, 2012 / 4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, witnesses, for coming today.
First, to Ms. Martinez, I was in Alberta at the time when the industry was deregulated. I was just wondering if you could very briefly tell us some of the things that happened.
I know the industry grew, consumer choices went up, prices went down, availability of hours for liquor stores increased—
4:40 p.m.
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
That's right.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
If I'm wrong on anything....
I was a criminal lawyer at the time, and all the things that people said about drunks on the streets getting alcohol at all times didn't happen. My understanding is that in fact nothing changed with regard to problems with alcohol.
Did anything bad happen for consumers?
4:40 p.m.
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
In terms of increased sales?
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
4:40 p.m.
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
The only part that was privatized was the retail side of it.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
4:40 p.m.
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
The liquor still was regulated.
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Conservative
4:40 p.m.
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
Absolutely.
There used to be 230 stores, I believe, in Alberta before privatization. Right now we have 1,200 stores out there.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
There were lots of choices and a lot of positive feedback as a result of that.
4:40 p.m.
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
And a lot of access in Canada to alcohol from all over the world.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I understand.
In fact, some people say I have a perfect life. I was born in Kelowna, British Columbia; I sleep in Quebec; I work in Ontario; I pay taxes in Alberta. It works really well.
4:40 p.m.
Voices
Oh, oh!
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
My question really is this. I think, from my perspective, the financial aspect for Alberta liquor stores would get better. I mean, we have the lowest-cost liquor in the country. If people are able to order it from Alberta, and order online, why wouldn't they order British Columbia wine from Alberta?