The Voice of the Distilled Spirits Industry in Canada.
Spirits Canada is the leading voice and National trade organization representing the interests of the distilled spirits industry across Canada.
Spirits Canada and its member companies are strongly committed to the encouragement of moderate and responsible consumption of beverage alcohol for those adults that choose to drink.
Who We Are
Spirits Canada was founded in 1947 to support Canada’s distilled spirits industry both nationally and globally. We partner with producers, liquor boards and government agencies to promote the economic growth of the industry while encouraging the responsible consumption of our products.
We promote relationships that strengthen Canada’s unparalleled “grain to glass” process of premium distilled products. Our industry’s proud history speaks to our future. Canada’s spirits industry is committed to sustainability, generating positive economic impact, forging strong relationships with Canadian communities, and increasing the diversity of our workforce.
Federal government announces a two-year extension of the two per cent cap on the annual alcohol excise duty inflation adjustment
March 10, 2024 – Spirits Canada, the national trade association representing distilled spirits, welcomes the federal government’s decision to limit the forthcoming alcohol excise tax increase to 2% for the next two years, as disclosed in the March 9 pre-budget announcement by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Moderation and Responsibility
Beer (5% alc.)
341 ml / 12 fl oz.
Wine (12% alc.)
142 ml / 5 fl oz.
Distilled Spirits
(40% alc.)
43 ml / 1.5 fl oz.
POLICY AND ECONOMIC DATA
Relentlessly
Advocating for
our Spirits Industry
Spirits Canada is committed to supporting a vibrant, innovative and fair spirits sectors that leads to opportunities for the industry growth throughout Canada and around the world, from grain to glass.
Media Centre
Our Blog
Spirits Canada official response to 2024 Finance Canada Pre-Budget Submission
Spirits Canada remains concerned that, as of April 1st, Canadians will have to pay a 4.7% additional tax on spirits, wine, and beer, far beyond current government targets for inflation. Accordingly, Spirits Canada has submitted an official response to the pre-budget...
Jan Westcott to retire from Spirits Canada; Cal Bricker to be appointed Chief Executive Officer
December 4, 2023 Toronto, ON – After 25 years successfully leading Spirits Canada, Jan Westcott, President and CEO announced his retirement from the Association and will depart the Spirits Canada Board as of December 31, 2023. For almost 40 years, Mr. Westcott has...
ESG: A Sectoral Snapshot of the Canadian Spirits Industry (Deloitte Report Nov ’23)
November 2023 Canada's spirits industry acknowledges their need to invest in a journey that prioritizes environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. While there is clear evidence from company efforts that the sector has made strides towards this, there...
Spirits Canada appoints Cal Bricker as new CEO
December 1, 2023 Toronto, ON — The Board of Directors of Spirits Canada, the national association and leading voice of Canada’s distilled spirits industry, is pleased to welcome Cal Bricker as its incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2024. Mr....
Read More From Our Blog >>
Industry updates
Chris Selley: Ontario’s liquor status quo begs to be smashed (not the bottles, though)
Online bootlegging: B.C. booze industry concerned local buyers are clicking on Alberta
Canadians’ Trust in Public Health Advice Vulnerable to Confusion Over Divergent Recommendations: Abacus Data Poll
Opinion: New campaign on alcohol consumption guidelines is fear mongering
Diageo plc announces that Sir Ivan Menezes has passed away
Harry Rakowski: New drinking guidelines based on majorly flawed study
Campari names MD for Canada and US
Canadian drinking advice ‘at odds’ with world
Abstinence doesn’t make up for excess
How does drinking affect general health?
How does drinking affect you physically? It depends on who you are
Standard Drinks and Guidelines Explained
Podcasts of the Week
Whiskycast
"Small Province Big Hearts"
Spirited Advocate Podcast
"Creating a More Inclusive Spirits Industry"
Spirited Advocate Podcast
"Jan Westcott of Spirits Canada"
MEMBERS ONLY PORTAL
Join our community
of spirits industry
professionals, thought
leaders and experts
and gain access to
member-only resources
to help your business.
- Calendar of industry events
- Important Provincial Liquor Board Updates
- Spirits Canada Newsletter
- Provincial and Federal Government policy updates
- Document Centre