Quebecers may soon have the option to order wine, beer, and spirits from other Canadian provinces and receive deliveries straight to their doorsteps. The provincial government in Quebec is working towards dismantling the longstanding restrictions on alcohol sales.
The CAQ government aims to implement cross-provincial alcohol sales as early as May. This policy shift would enable Quebec residents to purchase alcohol products from across Canada that are currently not offered by the SAQ.
The prospect of more variety has been met with enthusiasm by some Quebecers. Montrealer Chris McKay expressed his excitement, stating, “More choices are always better. Some Ontario wines, for instance, are excellent. Expanding the selection of Canadian wines and spirits would be a positive development.”
There are also those who question why alcohol should be treated differently from other goods bought from different regions. A resident voiced this sentiment, asking, “Why not? We already buy products from other countries. Why should products from other provinces be any different?”
Master of Wine (MW) Jacky Blisson believes that this change is long overdue and could bolster Canada’s alcohol industry as a whole. She emphasized that for too long, the industry has not received the necessary support and promotion.
Under this initiative, Quebec is following in the footsteps of other provinces in relaxing restrictions that have long impeded the inter-provincial sale of alcohol. Blisson doesn’t foresee a dramatic transformation but anticipates that Quebecers will gain increased access to exceptional products produced in other provinces.
Samuel Poulin, Quebec’s minister for the economy and small and medium enterprises, aims to enhance consumer choice while safeguarding the interests of the SAQ. He also sees the potential for Quebec’s small-scale producers to reach wider markets across Canada without undermining the province’s liquor control board.
Blisson pointed out that when federal regulations regarding internal trade were initially established, alcohol was intentionally excluded, resulting in each province creating its own unique systems. She mentioned that in Quebec, this initiative is being labeled a pilot project, implying that it could be revoked depending on its outcomes.
While the proposal prompts discussions about the SAQ’s role, Blisson and many consumers believe that the Crown corporation is unlikely to be significantly affected. Blisson views it as healthy competition that can benefit the commercial landscape.
For some Quebecers, the introduction of diverse alcohol options signifies a positive shift in culture. Annika Caniedo shared her perspective, saying, “Having access to different cultures and alcohol varieties would be a plus.”
Despite the potential for expanded choices, some individuals have no plans to alter their purchasing habits. One Montreal resident mentioned, “It’s great that people can explore Canadian products. However, I’ll continue to prefer Quebec products.”
