In October 2012, a New Brunswick man was arrested for returning from Quebec with cheaper beer. Why? Because monopolies such as the New Brunswick Liquor Corporation are protected by outdated laws that restrict importing alcohol from other provinces. Other liquor corporations in Canada do the same.
Their control over distribution and sale of beer and wine reduces competition and makes alcoholic products more expensive. The case of the arrested man in New Brunswick shows that a strong citizenry, favouring free market, eventually finds ways around unwanted restrictions.
In 2016, Atlantic Canadians should look to opening markets further instead of restricting them and make way for healthier competition.