CBC Archives

On chart paper, create a class list of prior knowledge about government regulation of trade, either within Canada or internationally.

Discuss why individuals, businesses, provinces, and countries would want to engage in trade across borders (i.e., inter-provincial trade and international trade). Have students discuss what they know about the benefits (e.g., greater market size) and shortcomings (e.g., increased competition, potential loss of local or domestic “heritage” or culture) of trade across borders.

Have students visit the topic Selling Suds: The Beer Industry in Canada on the CBC Digital Archives website. They will view the clip Free trade alters beer landscape, which discusses the elimination of inter-provincial trade barriers.

Place students in groups of four and have them work on a sheet of chart paper divided into four. Ask each student to think about, and then in the quadrant closest to them, write silently about, the question: Should governments regulate trade? Why or why not? Give a signal for students in each group to discuss their ideas and experiences and find common elements or ideas. Be sure to discuss the impacts on employees and jobs, as well as consumers and shareholders, in addition to those on the businesses themselves.

Have students post the charts to share their group’s thinking with the class. Record the similarities and differences on a separate sheet of chart paper.

Have students report back to the class. Discuss the following as a large group:

At the end of the clip, the reporter says, “What costs the breweries will ultimately cost people and jobs.” What does this mean?

What forms of government regulation, both in Canada and abroad, affect the beer industry?

How do the actions of other countries’ governments affect Canada’s beer industry?

How do the actions of the government of Canada affect beer manufacturers in other countries?

Students can research at least four agreements, policies, or restrictions that concern the beer industry in Canada; name and describe each; and note its advantages and disadvantages.