The "Buy Local" Paradox and BC's Empty Promises
How BC's "Buy Canadian" policies fail local businesses while allowing foreign companies to thrive
When Premier David Eby pulled American liquor off BC shelves last month in response to Trump's tariffs, he called it a stand for Canadian businesses. It made for great headlines and patriotic soundbites. But for the certified local distilleries in BC, it was yet another empty gesture.
This disconnect between "buy local" rhetoric and actual policy implementation is ultimately harmful to British Columbia's economy. Our provincial government interestingly talks a big game about supporting local businesses but keeps the regulatory barriers firmly in place.
World-Class Spirits Collecting Dust
Okanagan Spirits just won 11 gold medals, five silver medals, and the prestigious title of "World-Class Distillery in Worldwide Whisky" at the 2025 World Spirits Awards in Germany. This clearly shows that BC-made liquor can compete on the global stage.
Yet as BC Conservative MLA Gavin Dew pointed out in the legislature, when the government made its theatrical display of removing American alcohol, they missed a golden opportunity to promote these world-class local distillers.
Why? Because actually supporting local distilleries would require meaningful reform:
Cutting red tape that prevents distilleries from scaling efficiently
Modernizing outdated policies that put local producers at a disadvantage
Fixing a broken tax framework that effectively punishes success
Instead of addressing these systemic issues, we got a political stunt.
Foreign Ownership Contradiction at LifeLabs
Meanwhile, the seven-week strike at LifeLabs continues with no resolution in sight. The BCGEU, representing about 1,200 workers, has asked the government to bring LifeLabs into the public system after it was purchased by U.S. Fortune 500 company Quest Diagnostics last year for approximately $1 billion.
The irony is staggering. Eby doubled down on his "made-in-Canada" policy, stating, "We've directed our government to use its purchasing power to exclude American suppliers and support Canadian companies". A day later, the Ministry of Health defended Quest's ownership of LifeLabs, saying, "Although LifeLabs is owned by Quest Diagnostics, an American company, it remains a Canadian incorporated entity."
That's quite the loophole! Apparently, all you need is Canadian incorporation papers to be considered "local enough" for government contracts – while actual Canadian businesses struggle under the weight of regulations.
Real Impact on Real People
The LifeLabs strike impacts everyone from their staff to their clients, who often laud the team as lifesavers.
Meanwhile, local distillery owners pour their hearts into creating world-class products only to face systemic barriers to success in their own province.
Eby needs to stop grandstanding and step in. His support is already minimal at best and if he’s looking to increase the economic viability of BC, he must create more support locally.
What Real Support Looks Like
If the BC government genuinely wanted to support local businesses, it would:
Reform liquor regulations to give local distilleries, breweries, and wineries fair market access
Review foreign ownership of essential services to ensure they align with stated "buy local" priorities
Create meaningful incentives for choosing local providers, not just political theater
A Call for Consistency
The people of British Columbia deserve more than empty slogans about buying local. We deserve policies that match the rhetoric. We deserve a government that recognizes excellence – like that of Okanagan Spirits and the workers at LifeLabs – and creates an environment where local businesses can thrive.
As Gavin Dew so aptly put it: "Let's cut the red tape, fix the taxes, open the markets, and raise a glass to local excellence. Because when local wins, when BC wins, when Canada wins, we all win."
Take Action
If you're tired of the disconnect between "buy local" talk and actual policy, make your voice heard. Contact your MLA about supporting real reform for local distilleries and breweries. Ask questions about foreign ownership of essential services like LifeLabs.
Most importantly, vote with your wallet. Seek out local spirits, support local businesses, and demand transparency from a government that claims to do the same.
It's time to close the gap between what politicians say and what they actually do. Our local businesses – and the British Columbians who depend on them – deserve nothing less.