Foothills MP John Barlow has taken his displeasure with last week's Canada Free Trade deal a step further.

Barlow has tabled bill C-351 which, if passed, would allow alcohol producers to be able to sell their products across the country without provincial liquor board approvals.

It would allow a person to transport alcohol from one province to another for personal use.

He says the liberal budget included a 2 per cent increase in the excise tax with an escalator clause so alcohol producers will see an annual tax increase, putting many Canadian brewers, distillers, and vineyards at risk of closing.

“It’s absolutely crazy to me that I can't buy an Alberta craft beer, a Canadian product, when I'm in Ottawa,” said MP Barlow. “It’s a shame our archaic system stifles the growth of local business and the Canadian economy. Many of these craft breweries, distilleries and vineyards are providing much needed economic opportunities in rural communities across Canada.”

Barlow says the changes proposed in the bill will give consumers greater choice, improve market access for Canadian alcohol producers, and will grow the economy.

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