Article content

Opponents of Kinder Morgan’s $7.4-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion say they have been invigorated by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s ban on B.C. wines.

The wine boycott is Alberta’s reaction to an announcement at the end of January by B.C. Premier John Horgan’s government to move to restrict bitumen shipments from Alberta to the B.C. coast, pending better understanding of the behaviour of spilled bitumen and certainty regarding the ability to clean up spills.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Environmentalists opposed to pipeline expansion invigorated by trade imbroglio Back to video

The bitumen restriction could create obstacles for Houston-based Kinder Morgan’s plan to twin the 1,100-kilometre pipeline that would triple capacity and increase tanker traffic in the Burrard Inlet.

“I think the wine boycott has backfired spectacularly. This is the national rallying cry people were looking for,” said Peter McCartney, a climate campaigner with the Wilderness Committee.

Living Oceans Society executive director Karen Wristen called the wine boycott a gift to those who oppose the pipeline expansion. “It’s bringing new people into fight because they view the boycott as manifestly unfair.”