Ottawa just shut down an award-winning Calgary distillery for trying to sell its product in Saskatchewan.
The issue? No French on the label. That is it.
“Berbon” is made with southern Alberta corn. It has won international awards. Retailers overseas have expressed interest. Albertans know exactly what it is when they pick it up. The label clearly identifies the spirit. The spelling is distinct. The product has built a loyal following.
One complaint was enough to trigger federal enforcement. When the distillery moved to market in Saskatchewan, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency stepped in. Because the bottle did not include French labelling, and because the name resembles “bourbon,” regulators ordered the product pulled from shelves.
This is happening between two overwhelmingly English-speaking provinces.
Ottawa frequently lectures provinces about internal trade barriers. In this case, a small Alberta producer expanding next door found itself facing a federal compliance order that halted sales outright.
Bridgeland Distillery remains open and continues selling its other products while working through the regulatory process. The company employs Albertans, sources Taber corn, and contributes to Calgary’s local economy. For now, one of its most successful spirits cannot be sold across a provincial border.
Juno News has reached out to federal officials for comment on the enforcement decision and whether accommodation exists for small producers operating between Western provinces. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Readers in Calgary can still visit Bridgeland Distillery and support local production directly. Further reporting will be published at JunoNews.com as this dispute unfolds.
41 Comments
Can we get a divorce from this abusive relationship called Canada?
The Feds make me want to hurl !
This is BS because in Quebec no English is not allowed in Quebec.
Next time at the liquor store I will buy this product.
Insanity beyond belief. Corruption is rampant in Canada
Sovereignty won’t come fast enough! Is there even English labelling in Quebec?
French sucks, nobody likes it unless you where born speaking it.
I would pay double for english only
Alberta Independence!!!
Imagine Canada as a family where the provinces and territories are the children and the federal government the parents. This family however has one child that is retarded and has special needs, the name of that child, Quebec
Thanks to Bill 101, nowhere near the amount of Quebecers speak English like they once did. If they're pissed in Quebec big deal. Remember, Quebec is not a province. It's a liberal protected and specially treated entity.
Products sold in Quebec
do not have to have English on them, but they must have French. French is mandatory, and it must be at least as prominent as any other language (such as English) that appears on the product, packaging, or instructions. English can be added alongside French, but French must be present and equally visible.
Shout out too Taber!!!!
Government is the enemy, always.
You have stumbled on imperialism. Strange you don’t recognize it. The French language barriers are in place for political reasons. The French language requirements make it keep western people out of government. Only 1.6% of albertans speak French like you said, so only 1.6% of albertans are eligible to run for a federal position.
It keeps the capitalists out of the imperialist government.
another reason for Alberta Independence the sooner the better Alberta Freedom baby Alberta Freedom
Beast mode Bexte.
BI LINGUAL IS THE BIGGEST BS SCAM MOST OF THE WORLD DEALS IN ENGLISH
GO TO QUEBEC YOU WON'T SEE ENGLISH
Don’t drink bourbon but will buy a bottle and maybe start😉
Hmm, French labeling opens up markets in Haiti, France and other countries that speak french. I guess this business does not what to expand there business outside of Canada…Also notice that when you buy any electronic device in comes with instructions not just in french many languages.
@ 3:52. Do your politicians represent you? Why do you think its different in french?
This the exact reason why Canada is failing, One province trying control all the others. Try using one as all provinces and one Canada.
Typical Liberals sucking up to Quebec. We do not need french on items sold in other provinces.
This sounds like a B/S publicity stunt. Because how can a business be this incompetent? Bilingual labeling has been part of Canada sense 1969.
Why not add French labeling moving forward?
Any other brewery with French labeling have this issue?
My Canada doesn't include cry baby spoiled brat corrupt quebec.
Make welfare Quebec put English on everything
Canada has two official languages, English and French, which have equal status, rights, and privileges regarding their use in all federal institutions, including Parliament and the courts. Established by the Official Languages Act (1969) and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), this bilingualism policy ensures federal services are available in both language.
WHat is the ISSUE?
Oh right, Anglos!
In October after the referendum. All French needs to be removed. How is and all
Why even bother starting a business in Canada?
hate hate hate.
Another”Trudeau” legacy leftover.
Take a Sharpy and wright TADERNAC on it.
Anything to FK with Berta …..Stop ALL payments .
But they can't find 100's of thousands of illegal immigrants- ridiculous!!!!
French language is a dying breed, might as well just start putting hindu languages on all bottles now
SO SICK of that province! Lets hope the producers signed YES on INDEPENDENCE!!!!
F is for French.
More ammo for the separation movement!