MLA John Slater spoke in the House today about the importance of promoting B.C. wines within Canada and internationally, as part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan and BC Agrifoods: A Strategy for Growth.  If Bill C-311 passes, visitors to B.C. will be able to enjoy the wines they sample here back in their homes.

Some of the highlights include:

“Bill C-311 will only benefit B.C.’s world-renowned wine industry by increasing sales and further promoting agri-tourism in British Columbia.”

“In 2011 B.C. wines won more than a thousand awards and are coveted by buyers around the world in a long list of jurisdictions, including other Canadian provinces.”

“Bill C-311 works seamlessly with our agrifoods strategy, which outlines an action plan to ensure consumers across Canada can access wines from all producing regions of our province. Bill C-311 further aligns with the steps we’ve been taking to support the free exchange of goods and services between provinces.”

“Our support for this measure is in line with our recent decision to modernize liquor laws in British Columbia. Licences are now available for theatres who wish to serve alcohol during screenings of films.”

“The support for modernizing the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act spans the country, garnering support federally and from municipalities, local businesses and wine enthusiasts here in B.C.”

“I appreciate the support from both sides of this House.”

“In B.C. the majority of the vineyards are small businesses, and we continue to support them by cutting small business tax.”