Companies Commemorate New Legislation

A bill seeking to amend a Prohibition-era law that makes it illegal for consumers to transport liquor across provincial boundaries cleared another hurdle Thursday.

After Members of Parliament unanimously passed Bill C-311 in the House of Commons in early June, the bill went on to receive approval by the Senate and achieved Royal Assent. The Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act now provides all provincial governments with the ability to establish the rules to permit their residents to transport wine home from another province or to order wine online and have it shipped directly.

To celebrate, many companies are having special promotions and events.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, in Oliver, B.C., is offering free shipping as well as 10% off the purchase of cases of wine this Canada Day. This special one-day-only offer is extended to wine lovers anywhere in Canada to celebrate the recent passage of Bill C-311 and coincide with the winery’s latest vintage releases. Available for purchase of full cases of wine only on July 1st, 2012 from 12am PST to 12am PST July 2nd. To purchase visit tinhorn.com/Purchase and enter the promo code CanadaFree.

"The unanimous passage in both the House of Commons and the Senate of Bill C-311 will usher in a new era for Canadian wine culture. I can't be more pleased to see all of our hard work in the vineyard and cellar being available to all Canadians,” says Sandra Oldfield, winemaker and CEO of Tinhorn.

On Saturday, June 30, Willow Park Wines & Spirits in Calgary is celebrating this important occasion with its OH CANADA! Wine Festival at 7 p.m. The annual tasting of over 75 of Canada's best wines will be presented with special Canadian foods. Tickets are $40 and RSVPs can be sent to Kelsey Palmer at 403-296-1640 ext. 226 or email Kelsey@willowpark.net.

Peggy Perry, vice president of purchasing and marketing for Willow Park, is happy not only for the store, because they can pick up the phone and buy any product at any winery or retail store in Canada, but also for consumers.

“We are excited that all Canadians can go to the cottage and not worry about going over the border with their weekend purchases,” she says.