The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is congratulating several provincial governments after they announced a new Canada-wide direct-to-consumer alcohol sales agreement.

The agreement would mean producers could ship directly to consumers across provincial borders. The CFIB said they commend Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan for embracing the agreement.

Dan Kelly, President of the CFIB, said in a statement that the agreement should be seen as a starting point, not a finish line.

“The next step is for governments to include alcohol under the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement, allowing alcohol products that can be legally sold in one province or territory to be sold in every other jurisdiction without duplicative testing, paperwork or regulatory requirements.”

The statement added that the CFIB would keep an eye on the implementation to make sure no unnecessary licensing, authorizations or registration requirements get added into to agreement.