B.C. Liquor stores pulling Russian liquor, beer in support of Ukraine
B.C. Liquor Stores are pulling Russian vodka and beer from their shelves as part of a stand with Ukraine amid a Russian invasion.
Public safety Minister Mike Farnworth said today, Feb. 25, that the province has placed an immediate halt on Russian liquor products from B.C. Liquor Store shelves and provincial liquor distribution centres.
Earlier this week, Russia invaded Ukraine, causing thousands to flee. The war has been ongoing. Rallies are being held across the Thompson Okanagan to show support for Ukraine.
“We are working with Ottawa on how British Columbia can support the co-ordinated sanctions from the federal government,” Farnworth said in a news release.
READ MORE: B.C. premier condemns Russian leader Putin, says B.C. supports people of Ukraine
Other liquor stores in Kelowna still had Russian products on their shelves Friday including Metro Liquor, O'Flannigan's Liquor Store, ARC Liquor, Urban Liquor Store Guisachan and Mission Liquor. Many declined to comment or had no current plans to remove Russian products.
Liquor stores across the country have removed Russian products from stores as well, including the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Manitoba Liquor Mart, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.
B.C. Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon called on the NDP earlier today to remove Russian liquor products from the shelves of government run liquor stores including: Russian Standard Vodka, Beluga Noble Russian Vodka, Russian Standard Platinum Vodka, Baikal Vodka and Baltika 7 Beer.
“We join the Prime Minister and allied nations in deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our province stands with those who understand Europe’s peace following two world wars depends on respecting international law. Today, British Columbia is contributing $1 million for the Red Cross to support the people of Ukraine who are suffering from this illegal act of war," Farnworth said in a statement.
Canada has imposed sanctions on Russia amid the war and has sent troops to aid neighbouring NATO countries.
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