Ottawa, ON – Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) alongside Niagara’s Members of Parliament, today welcome Parliamentarians in showcasing Niagara as a world-class tourism destination and the positive impact our domestic grape and wine industry has on the economy. This event is part of GGO’s ongoing 75th anniversary “Rooted in Canada” celebrations that underscores the deep roots grape growers have in the country and the contributions they make to the local, provincial, and national economy.
At “Niagara Day on the Hill” Ontario grape growers and winemakers will have the opportunity to meet with Members of Parliament (MP) from across Canada to highlight the importance of the grape and wine sector for Canada’s economy – the industry welcomes 3.7 million tourists annually and generates $9 billion in economic activity including $1.1 billion in tax revenue and $1.5 billion in tourism-related impact.
In about a month’s time, the excise duty exception on 100% Canadian wine will end. Since its introduction in 2006, it has helped small Canadian wineries grow by encouraging the production of 100% Ontario wine and increasing demand for Ontario-grown grapes. The federal government has committed to assist the Canadian wine sector and their 2021 budget outlines a $101 million two-year Canadian winery support program to support wineries in adapting to ongoing and emerging challenges, in line with Canada’s trade obligations. The details of this program will determine the fate of the domestic grape and wine industry.
“We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the Government of Canada that has helped foster a resilient and successful domestic industry, however, without continued government investment, our industry and the economic contributions it brings are at risk.” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario. “We have a collective interest, with the government, in the continued growth of the Canadian grape and wine industry. Every bottle of 100% Canadian wine contributes $90 to the economy compared to just $15.73 from a bottle of imported wine.”
Source : Grape Growers of Ontario