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Saskatchewan supports Alberta’s fight in the Trans Mountain Pipeline dispute but the prairie province won't condone its recent boycott.
“Saskatchewan has no plans to participate in retaliatory measures that would be in contravention of our trade commitments. We do not believe this matter will be resolved by trade measures that will primarily impact consumers and private businesses,” read Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s statement.
“The Government of Saskatchewan will continue to consider all of our legal options, both constitutional and through interprovincial trade agreements.
"It is our position that the government of British Columbia has no legal jurisdiction or justification to delay or impede the construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline."
On Tuesday, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley announced an immediate ban on BC Wine in retaliation to B.C.’s purposed limitations in the shipping of diluted bitumen along the Trans Mountain Pipeline.
I'm hearing from Albertans everywhere I go is that we have to send a clear message to BC to make our point. We can do that by boycotting BC wine. The wine industry is important in BC. Not nearly as important as energy industry is to Alberta and Canada, but important nonetheless.
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) February 6, 2018
The boycott announcement was immediately met with strong opinions on both sides of the argument.
I support your and your party. I don't support your decision to punish workers in a different industry in another province. #ableg 1/2
— Leanne Michelle (@barefootleanne) February 6, 2018
.@RachelNotley While wine is important to BC do you have any idea how many Albertans own/invest in BC wineries or AB business owners this hurts. Dont forget AB makes approx $55 million in provincial tax each year from those BC cases. #embarrassing #embargo #AbLeg #vqa #boycott https://t.co/4PHrt3iKZe
— Michelle Sharpe (@distill_ista) February 6, 2018
No more #bcwine for me, @jjhorgan. Oh well. I'll just have to drink more #ABbeer instead. It's a way better product anyway. Thanks @RachelNotley! #AbLeg @alley_kat_beer @ToolboxBrewing @TroubledMonk @RibstoneCreek @benchcreekbrew
— Roy Coulthard (@rdcoulthard) February 6, 2018
B.C. Premier John Horgan has made it clear that his government stands with BC wine producers.
“We’re working for people,” said the Premier in a statement. “As part of that work, our government has every right to consult with British Columbians on the best possible measures to protect our lands and waters from potential impacts of bitumen spills.”
If Alberta disagrees, he added, “they can make that argument in the proper venue, our court system. We… will respond to the unfair trade actions announced today.”
The $7.4-billion Kinder Morgan project would triple capacity on the 1,150-kilometre line, which runs from Edmonton to the B.C. coast.
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