Alberta’s new wine tax sparked backlash for raising prices, cutting sales, and harming businesses.

Alberta’s April 2025 ad valorem wine tax, which imposes fees from 5% to 15% based on wine value, has sparked widespread criticism from Canadian industry groups. They say the tax, introduced without consultation, has driven up prices, reduced sales—especially from B.C. wineries by up to 50%—and harmed restaurants and retailers already facing financial strain. Critics argue it undermines interprovincial trade, threatens small businesses, and contradicts national efforts to reduce trade barriers, urging the government to repeal or revise the policy.