Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has introduced legislation aimed at Canadian provincial liquor board restrictions that she says are hurting American wineries, breweries and distilleries, including wine producers in the Finger Lakes.
The Combating Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies Act, or CANADA Act, would direct the U.S. trade representative to begin a Section 301 investigation into Canadian provincial restrictions on the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages.
The legislation would require the investigation to begin within 30 days of enactment. It would examine whether actions by Canadian provinces are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Tenney's office said nearly all Canadian provincial liquor boards have prohibited or restricted the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages, limiting access to a major export market for U.S. producers.
The bill also would require the U.S. trade representative to consult with affected manufacturers, industry stakeholders and federal agencies during the investigation. Regular reports to Congress would be required as the enforcement effort proceeds.
Tenney said American wineries, breweries, distilleries and other beverage producers deserve fair access to Canadian markets and called the provincial restrictions discriminatory.
The legislation is supported by the Wine Institute, the American Craft Spirits Association and WineAmerica, according to Tenney's office. WineAmerica Executive Director Michael Kaiser said losing access to the Canadian market has hurt wineries from Oregon's Willamette Valley to the Finger Lakes.
The proposal comes as trade officials consider how to address Canadian provincial alcohol policies through enforcement action. Tenney's office said the restrictions have become a barrier in broader trade discussions involving the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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