CFIB calls out lack of progress on DTC alcohol agreement
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is raising concerns over what it says is a lack of transparency and progress on direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol shipping policies, despite government commitments to act by the end of May.
Small independent breweries, wineries and distillers across Canada have been waiting for clearer rules and expanded access to ship products directly to consumers.
According to CFIB data, 77% of small businesses believe Canadians should have the freedom to order Canadian wine, beer and craft spirits directly from any province or territory without restrictions.
Several governments have publicly committed to reviewing or updating alcohol distribution frameworks. A DTC memorandum of understanding (MOU) identified the end of May 2026 as the target date for implementation.
"Announcing commitments are not the same as delivering results," said Keyli Loeppky, senior director of Alberta and interprovincial affairs at CFIB. "With the deadline essentially here, small businesses deserve clarity on what's actually being implemented and when."
Currently, only Manitoba and New Brunswick permit DTC of all Canadian alcohol products, and Ontario and Nova Scotia have signed a limited reciprocal agreement allowing shipments between the two provinces. Other jurisdictional agreements continue to be fragmented. Nova Scotia and British Columbia allow DTC shipping of all Canadian wine, and BC permits DTC of spirits only from Saskatchewan. Alberta permits DTC shipments of BC wine only. Saskatchewan allows DTC shipping of wine and spirits from BC only.
"Direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping is the bare minimum of what governments should be doing to improve internal trade of alcohol products within Canada," added Loeppky. "Some may dismiss DTC as a small or symbolic change, but it is an important first step. It signals that governments are finally moving in the right direction on reducing outdated barriers that prevents Canadians from buying and selling across provincial borders."
With only days remaining before the anticipated deadline, CFIB said there has been little movement to deliver on those commitments.
CFIB is continuing to urge governments to remove what it calls unnecessary interprovincial trade barriers to allow DTC shipping of alcohol products without additional paperwork and markups.
