A local distillery in Edmonton has expressed feeling betrayed by Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen, during a recent controversy surrounding their vodka jugs.
The controversy began when the distillery, Hansen Distillery, released a new line of vodka jugs featuring the image of a cartoon beaver wearing a cowboy hat and holding a hockey stick. The jugs were meant to celebrate Canada’s national animal and the country’s love for hockey.
However, the jugs were met with criticism from some members of the public, who felt that the image perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Canadians. This led to Minister Dreeshen publicly denouncing the jugs and calling for a boycott of the distillery.
Hansen Distillery owner, Kris Sustrik, was taken aback by the Minister’s response. In an interview with CTV News, Sustrik stated that he felt “backstabbed” by the Minister’s actions, especially since the distillery had previously received support from the government for their products.
Sustrik also pointed out that the jugs were meant to be a lighthearted and humorous celebration of Canadian culture, and were not intended to offend anyone. He expressed disappointment that the Minister did not reach out to the distillery to discuss the issue before publicly condemning their product.
In response to the controversy, Minister Dreeshen released a statement saying that he stands by his comments and believes that the jugs were in poor taste. He also stated that he has a responsibility to speak out against anything that could potentially harm the reputation of Alberta’s agriculture and forestry industries.
Despite the backlash, Hansen Distillery has decided to continue selling the jugs, with Sustrik stating that they have received overwhelming support from their customers and the community.
This controversy serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of open communication. While the Minister may have had good intentions in protecting the image of Alberta’s industries, it is crucial for all parties involved to have a respectful and productive dialogue in order to find a resolution.
