We’re well into the dog days of summer. While originally named for coinciding with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, for our industry it seems more closely tied to the fact that everyone’s working like dogs! The hot weather certainly makes a lot of people thirsty.
We too have been working like dogs.
Partnering with the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB), we and more than 250 other associations, sent a letter to Federal Minister of Finance, The Honourable Chrystia Freeland asking the CEBA repayment deadline be extended to the end of 2025, or at least by one year, while still maintaining the forgivable portion. That looming loan repayment, due at year-end, is fast-approaching. Breweries need a break, and we need an answer sooner rather than later. Want to help? Sign the petition or submit your own letter to chrystia.freeland@parl.gc.ca. Every ask counts.
Speaking of thirsty people, we continue to challenge the flawed CCSA report recommending Canadians consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per week. And closely related to this, we are planning to appear before the Senate to challenge Bill S-254, that’s the Bill asking that warning labels be added to beer packaging.
Also provided was our pre-budget submission to the Standing Committee on Finance in advance of the federal 2024 budget. We need the government to lessen the punitive excise tax burden placed on Canada’s locally owned and operated craft breweries. Working with the consulting firm, MNP, we are enhancing our already strong business case proving there is a positive return on investment to modernizing the excise tax schedule.
Our board has also been busy updating the CCBA-AMBC’s mission, vision, and values. Thank you to our board of directors for actively participating in two discovery sessions and the members of the Governance Committee for putting on the finishing touches. This will serve as the backbone to upcoming governance and strategic plan reviews.
I also want to thank the hundreds of breweries who entered the Canada Beer Cup 2023 and our dedicated sponsors who have come on board to support the competition and our industry’s advocacy efforts. Head judge Stephen Beaumont has been assembling a terrific team of national and international judges, and Competition Manager Hilary Hoogsteen is making sure the judging runs smoothly and we have a terrific awards celebration in Niagara Falls on October 25, in partnership with the Ontario Craft Brewers Conference & Marketplace. We’d love to see you there, so click here to register.
Enjoy the remainder of summer, and cheers to spending quality time enjoying a cold one (or two) with family and friends!
Cheers,
Christine Comeau
Executive Director, CCBA-AMBC