Free My Grapes Gets Corked then Uncorked
5/30/2012
There was disappointment for Okanagan Coquihalla MP Dan Albas on Wednesday but after some back and forth between the Tories, NDP and Liberals it looks as though his bid to end a prohibition era law may move forward.
His private members Bill C-311 dubbed 'Free My Grapes' received broad support in the House of Commons but was shot down as NDP critics asked for amendments to be added.
Albas says he's unhappy with the way the NDP handled the debate calling it a wasted opportunity.
"This was a political tactic used by the NDP for whatever reasons, they certainly don't seem to understand how important it is for this Bill to go forward so we can have both grape growers and vintners take advantage of this years growing cycle rather than have to wait until next year which is currently what will happen"
Bill C-311 would put an end to a prohibition era law that makes inter-provincial wine sales illegal.
During debate the clock ran out and Albas' Bill was sent to the bottom of the list meaning it would not receive a third reading until September or mid October.
Liberal MP Scott Brison from Nova Scotia has stepped up and offered to let Bill-C311 take the place of one of his thus allowing the bill to possibly be passed this growing season.
The Bill will be back in the House of Commons on June 6th.
Anita Sthankiya -Penticton