WATCH ABOVE: A man fined for bringing more than his allowed limit of alcohol across the border from Quebec to New Brunswick is fighting the charges on constitutional grounds. Global’s Brion Robinson reports.
MONCTON – A legal battle between a New Brunswick man and the province in Campbellton regarding the provincial alcohol trade could be decided on constitutional grounds.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation is supporting Gerard Comeau’s court fight.
“There’s a provision of our constitution the 1867 Constitution Act that guarantees free trade between the provinces,” said Marni Soupcoff, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We think this is one of those blatant trade barriers that was actually meant to be avoided by that provision of our constitution.”
In 2012, Comeau was fined $292.50 for bringing in more than his allowed amount of alcohol into New Brunswick from Quebec.
In Quebec, beer is generally much cheaper than in New Brunswick.
For example, a case of 24 beer in New Brunswick costs $45.95.
But in Quebec, a 28-pack of the same beer is about $23.72.
Under the province’s Liquor Control Act, people coming into the province are limited to one bottle of wine or spirits and the equivalent of 12 pints of beer.
Soupcoff says if they win their court fight, it could change the face of the alcohol trade between provinces.
“If a judge agrees with us and if this becomes the interpretation of the Constitution then it’s not going to be possible for New Brunswick to continue to prevent people from bringing in wine from other provinces,” she said.
In Moncton, people like Christine Legriesley , say New Brunswickers deserve cheaper alcohol.
“I like to pay for cheap liquor if I can,” she said. “If you can have it for cheaper why not.”
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