The Voice Of
Canadian Craft Beer

We represent the interests of a growing industry of over 1,100 small and independent craft breweries, brewpubs and their supplier partners in every province and territory in Canada.

Industry Updates

CCBA Submits 2024 Budget Proposal to House Finance Committee

Written Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance: Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2024 Federal Budget

Industry Associations Call for More Time to Repay CEBA loans

The CCBA-AMBC endorsed, along with more than 250 other associations the attached letter to Federal Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland asking to extend the CEBA loan repayment deadline to the end of 2025, or at least by one year, while still maintaining the forgivable portion. 

Craft Brewers Respond to Budget 2023

March 29th, 2023, Ottawa (Ontario) – The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) today responded to yesterday’s tabling of the federal budget by Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland.

Canada Beer Cup Competition Returns for a Second Year

After a successful inaugural competition last fall, the Canadian Craft Brewers Association has announced that the Canada Beer Cup will return for a second year, with entries set to open April 2023. 

Craft Brewers Respond to Record-Breaking Tax Increase

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) today responded to recent news that the federal excise tax for beer will go up by 6.3 percent on April 1st, based on 2022’s rate of inflation.

CCBA Raises Concern Over Validity of Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (CCSA) Study and Recommendations

The CCBA submitted a letter of concern to the Department of Health and Mental Addictions about the CCSA study and its recommendations.

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CCBA Submits 2023 Budget Proposal to House Finance Committee

The CCBA submitted a recommendation to modernize the excise tax schedule to the House Finance Committee.

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Industry Update: The CCBA Brews Up A New Executive Director

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) has announced that Christine Comeau is their new Executive Director.

Federal Government Advocacy Update

Since its inception in 2019 the CCBA has been lobbying the federal government, and specifically Finance Canada, to reduce the excise duty rates on beer. All other beverage alcohol sectors are doing the same. 

This year the CCBA submitted a joint proposal to the House Standing Committee on Finance, in cooperation with the CCICB, a coalition of some of the country’s largest independent brewers. Our proposal recommended the following:

Craft Beer Industry Launches New National Beer Competition

The “Canada Beer Cup” Features Original Style Categories, International Judges

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association is taking steps to elevate the international profile of Canadian craft beer with a new competition for Canada’s independent craft brewers. The competition will present awards in 70 distinct and original style categories developed by Stephen Beaumont, beer writer and author, and internationally recognized as Canada’s foremost authority on beer. Out of all the winning beers one will be selected by the judges as “best in show”, and the submitting brewery will be awarded the Canada Beer Cup trophy. 

CCBA Submits 2022 Budget Proposal to House Finance Committee

Written for the pre-budget consultations

The CCBA government relations committee submitted four recommendations to the House Finance Committee.

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CCBA Plans Industry-Wide Survey to Assess Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Priorities

First Step in a Comprehensive DEI Program Being Developed with Industry Experts

In June the CCBA will release an industry-wide employee survey to help us understand the state of diversity, inclusivity and equity in craft beer. The survey will be anonymous, and results will guide us in developing education and resources for member breweries. The survey is the first step in a comprehensive DEI program being developed by the CCBA in cooperation with subject matter experts in Canada and the U.S.

“The best way to solve a problem is to first understand exactly what it looks like,” said Steve Beauchesne, Chair of the Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion Committee of the CCBA. “The survey is designed to develop a baseline of understanding that will inform our committee’s future actions”.

To help launch the survey, the CCBA will host an educational webinar for member breweries in early June. Further details to follow.

CCBA Publishes List of Recommended Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Resources

Includes articles, books, and videos on the subject of racism, discrimination, diversity and equity

The Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Committee of the CCBA has published its initial list of recommended resources to assist craft breweries across Canada in addressing and combating all forms of discrimination and racism.

“This is the first phase in the rollout of a comprehensive program,” said Steve Beauchesne, chair of the committee. “We see this as a long-term effort to make craft beer more inclusive and welcoming to those who are marginalized and underrepresented in our industry.” 

CCBA Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination Committee Begins Its Work

Goal is to reduce discrimination against all marginalized or discriminated-against persons in craft beer

The Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Committee is a committee of the CCBA devoted to reducing discrimination against Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQ, Women, Asian Canadians, Disabled and other marginalized or discriminated-against persons. The committee was formed in the spring of 2020 in response to the Black Lives Movement.

Open Letter to Members of Parliament Regarding the State of the Canadian Craft Brewing Industry

Lettre ouverte aux députés concernant l’état de l’industrie du microbrasseries canadiennes

Includes results of Survey #1 – Effects of COVID-19 completed by craft breweries in every province and territory in Canada during the period April 15 – April 21, 2020. / Comprend les résultats du premier sondage sur les effets de COVID-19, complété par des microbrasseries canadiennes dans chaque province et chaque territoire au cours de la période du 15 au 21 avril, 2020.

Advocacy in Ottawa

Défense des intérêts de l’AMBC

A compilation of CCBA lobbying efforts to federal government elected officials and public service departments in support of craft breweries across Canada.

Celebrating Authenticity with the Independent Craft Seal

Craft beer drinkers in Canada want to support their local craft breweries. But it is becoming increasingly difficult for consumers to identify beer brands that are produced and sold by authentic Canadian craft brewers.

That problem is now solved. The new Independent Craft Seal identifies beer that was produced and sold by an independent Canadian craft brewer.

Brewery members, you can now get the seal and start using it in your packaging and marketing materials.

Celebrating Authenticity with the Independent Craft Seal

Craft beer drinkers in Canada want to support their local craft breweries. But it is becoming increasingly difficult for consumers to identify beer brands that are produced and sold by authentic Canadian craft brewers.

That problem is now solved. The new Independent Craft Seal identifies beer that was produced and sold by an independent Canadian craft brewer.

Brewery members, you can now get the seal and start using it in your packaging and marketing materials.

Become a CCBA-AMBC member and gain access to exclusive content, industry data and cost saving programs. Membership is open to breweries and allied trades.

United in Craft, Coast To Coast To Coast

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association unites the 1,000+ craft breweries and brewpubs from every province and territory in Canada. The association promotes and protects their interests and those of the hundreds of supplier partners in the craft brewing ecosystem.

Latest from the Blog

Craft Brewing in Canada: Advocating for a Brighter Future

As the leaves change colors and the air gets crisper, it’s that time of the year when students head back to school. But in the world of advocacy and politics, “Back to School” doesn’t just apply to students—it’s also a call to educate our elected officials and policymakers on crucial matters for Canada’s craft brewing industry. 

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Travailler comme une bête pendant les jours caniculaires de l’été

Nous sommes bien entrés dans les jours caniculaires de l’été. Bien qu’initialement nommée pour coïncider avec la montée de Sirius, l’Étoile du Chien, pour notre industrie, cela semble être plus étroitement lié au fait que tout le monde travaille comme des chiens! La chaleur intense donne certainement soif à beaucoup de gens.

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