Ontario and Nova Scotia have signed a new direct-to-consumer alcohol agreement that will allow producers in both provinces to sell wine, beer and spirits directly to residents across provincial lines, a move both premiers say is aimed at dismantling long-standing internal trade barriers.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed the agreement this Monday while Houston was in Toronto attending the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference. The deal takes effect immediately.
Under the agreement, consumers aged 19 and older will be able to order alcohol for personal use directly from licensed producers in the other province. Nova Scotian producers will gain direct access to Ontario customers, while Nova Scotians will be able to purchase products from Ontario wineries, breweries and distilleries.