Wine Industry Resolution Receives Unanimous Support

On May 4, 2019, WERCC President & CEO Rakesh Naidu attended the Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM where he defended the previously submitted policy resolution: Changes to Alcohol Retail in Ontario Needs to Support Local Industry and Jobs in the Wine and Grape Sector. The resolution received 100% support from the OCC delegates.

The resolution addressed the following key issues:

• Eliminating the 35% import tax;
• Eliminating the 6.1% retail store tax on domestically produced wine;
• Ensure direct delivery of all Ontario wine to new retail opportunities; and
• Not trading the current retail monopoly for a grocery led oligopoly.

“I am delighted that the resolution was adopted by the OCC. The unanimous support highlights the importance of this issue for our province. The resolution seeks to provide much needed support to grape growers and wineries so that they can compete with foreign brands. It is a step forward towards reducing tax burden which will help the industry grow and create more jobs thus helping diversification efforts in our region” stated Naidu.

Co-sponsors for the resolution included: Leamington Chamber of Commerce, Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and Grimsby Chamber of Commerce.