UPDATE: Stores pull Russian liquor from government outlets
UPDATE: 6:00 a.m. Feb. 26
Crown liquor stores in British Columbia, and several Canadian provinces, were pulling Russian products from their shelves Friday in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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Premier considers call to pull Russian liquor from government stores
Feb. 25, 2022 2:00 p.m.
A suggestion by new B.C. Liberal leader Kevin Falcon to pull Russian products from government-run B.C. Liquor Stores is something the province may consider, according to Premier John Horgan.
I’m calling on the NDP to immediately pull Russian spirits from @bcliquorstores and cease all imports of such products by the BCLDB.
We should do all we can to support the people of Ukraine and not benefit Putin’s regime while this unprovoked aggression continues. #BCpoli
— Kevin Falcon (@KevinFalcon) February 25, 2022
(Kevin Falcon/Twitter)
Horgan was asked what he thought of Falcon’s idea at a media availability on Friday.
The premier said B.C. is working with the federal government on how it can participate in Canadian sanction programs against Russia.
“For sanctions to be effective, they have to be comprehensive. Whatever measures they put forward, B.C. will be behind them all the way,” Horgan stated.
As for the rising gas prices, including a record $1.82 a litre in Vancouver, Horgan said it’s going to be a “challenging summer.”
He said his government has a process in place through the BC Utilities Commission to determine why prices are going up.
“The BC Utilities Commission, because of legislation we brought forward, is obliged to ask the providers of petroleum products for the rationale for why prices are going up,” the premier said.
Horgan said that process discourages gas providers from gouging consumers and indicates the increases are due to factors outside of the companies’ control.