Raise a Glass for Free Trade
Event Information
Description
Has the price of your favourite beer gone up recently? Is it getting harder to find your favourite beers from other provinces? You're not alone.
The Government of Alberta introduced an unconstitutional tax and refund scheme designed to benefit Alberta brewers at the expense of out-of-province brewers and consumers like you. They effectively built a wall to keep those "foreign" Canadian beers out.
These higher prices are affecting selection as brewers and suppliers from outside Alberta are beginning to pull out of Alberta altogether. Alberta importers and bars that specialize in stocking out-of-province beers have been hit severely, with huge decreases in sales that put their future in jeopardy. The government is punishing Alberta businesses and consumers to pay for their refund scheme.
But there is something you can do. The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) and Artisan Ales have initiated a complaint against the Government of Alberta under the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT). The complaint alleges that Alberta, through its protectionist tax, is failing to honour its free trade obligations under the AIT (and, incidentally, the Canadian Constitution).
In April 2016, the CCF won a victory for free trade and easier importation of alcohol in New Brunswick. We plan to do the same thing for Alberta, but we need your help. And all you need to do is show up.
Join us for an exciting evening drinking beer and discussing our case to defend your rights as a beer consumer in Alberta. Drink some interesting beers, meet some equally interesting people, and defend your constitutional right to free trade between the provinces.
Your ticket is a donation and you will receive a charitable tax receipt for $40 after the event. Even better, your first beer is on us!
Don't forget to share this event on Facebook and Twitter! The more people who attend, the closer we get to winning this case and protecting your rights.
You must be at least 18 years or older. The venue may require you to present ID.