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Albertans talk boycotting Quebec dairy

Albertans talk boycotting Quebec dairy

The measure would be in response to a pipeline issue

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Some Albertans are considering changes to their grocery shopping habits to demonstrate their displeasure with Quebec.

Local consumers are proposing boycotting dairy and other products and services from Quebec after new premier François Legault rejected the idea of the East Energy pipeline.

The project would carry “dirty energy” and “there’s no social acceptability” for it, Legault said during the First Ministers’ meeting in Montreal.

Alberta imported $9.7 billion of goods from Quebec in 2014, a 2018 Alberta government report says. Processed foods and beverages accounted for about 11.5 per cent ($1,115,500,000).

Dairy imports from Quebec totaled about $445 million in 2015, the National Post reported.

Consumers have taken to social media to propose retaliatory measures against Quebec.

“This is an example of Quebec milk imported into Alberta that we need to boycott,” Twitter user Oiler Fan 99/97 posted on Sunday with a photo of a Natrel product. “This milk comes from Longueuil, Quebec.”

A user with the Twitter handle Marky Marc Garneau, in reference to the Minister of Transport, tweeted a picture of Saputo brands.

“Take note of Saputo brands and avoid them when you purchase dairy if you can,” the tweet said.

The message also included the hashtag #QuebecBoycott.

Others agree with Alberta consumers closing their wallets on Quebec products.

“Fine. There is no social acceptability in Alberta for any Quebec product whatsoever. Let the boycott begin,” Brian Jean, former leader of the Wildrose Party, tweeted Saturday.

Alberta has boycotted ag goods from other provinces before.

On Feb. 6, Alberta premier Rachel Notley announced her province would halt imports of B.C. wine over proposed restrictions on the Kinder Morgan pipeline extension from Edmonton, Alta. to Burnaby, B.C.

That import ban ended Feb. 22.


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