About

For over 75 years, Spirits Canada has played a critical role in shaping Canada’s spirits landscape.

From working with government stakeholders on tax and trade policies to promoting international market access for Canadian spirits, the association has been a leading voice for distillers nationwide.

Founded on our signature products of Canadian whisky and Rye whisky, the distilled spirits industry in Canada produces a full range of spirits products including rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, vodka, and Ready-To-Drink (RTD) cocktails.

What We Do

  • Champion the growth of the Canadian spirits sector through policy and advocacy that enables a thriving trade environment for spirits
  • Position world-class Canadian whisky and other Canadian spirits as global competitors
  • Empower Canadians to make informed decisions when it comes to drinking alcohol, and celebrate responsible and moderate consumption
Spirits Canada at the World Spirits Alliance Annual Meeting in Geneva Switzerland, with industry associations and spirits leaders across the globe.

Spirits Canada at the World Spirits Alliance Annual Meeting in Geneva Switzerland, with industry associations and spirits leaders across the globe.

Who We Work With

The Canadian spirits industry thrives through a collaborative network of key partners:

Raw Material Suppliers (Agricultural Sector)

Distillers and Producers

Liquor Boards

Government and Regulatory Bodies

Research and Educational Institutions

Industry Associations and Trade Groups

Public Health and Social Responsibility Organizations

Trade & Export Promotion Agencies

Media & Spirits Ambassadors

Our History

Canada’s Whisky Heritage Pre-Dating the Nation

Canada has a rich history of distillation, as Scottish and Irish Immigrants brought their distilling skills to Canada in the late 18th century – before Canada became a Confederation in 1867. Today, our member distillers produce world-renowned spirits, including Canadian whisky—one of the country’s most iconic exports. Spirits Canada has been instrumental in elevating the profile of Canadian spirits both domestically and abroad, ensuring that our industry continues to thrive.

The Canadian flag waving in the wind against a clear blue sky.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Over the years, the spirits sector in Canada continues to make strides across policy, economic activity, responsibility and regulation.

Tax Cap Triumph
Excise tax successfully capped at 2% (F25 & F26). Industry savings of ~$30M over that period and projected to be ~$80M over the next 5 years.
RTD Tax Relief
Federal government new GST break on spirits-based RTDs under 7% ABV
Whisky Protection
The USMCA’s Alcohol Beverages Annex ensures “Canadian Whisky” is recognized as a distinctive Canadian product, only allowed on labels in Mexico and the U.S. if made in Canada under Canadian regulations.
Nine Provinces Sign Agreement to Reduce Barriers to Interprovincial Trade in Beverage Alcohol
On July 21, Nine Canadian provinces have signed a new Operating Agreement on Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales of Alcoholic Beverages, marking a positive step toward reducing barriers to interprovincial trade and improving consumer access to Canadian-made beverage alcohol, including spirits and spirits-based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages.
Tax Cap Triumph
Excise tax successfully capped at 2% (F25 & F26). Industry savings of ~$30M over that period and projected to be ~$80M over the next 5 years.
RTD Tax Relief
Federal government new GST break on spirits-based RTDs under 7% ABV
Whisky Protection
The USMCA’s Alcohol Beverages Annex ensures “Canadian Whisky” is recognized as a distinctive Canadian product, only allowed on labels in Mexico and the U.S. if made in Canada under Canadian regulations.

Spirits Canada News

Jul 21, 2026
Spirits Canada Calls for Urgent Negotiated Resolution Following U.S. Tariff Announcement on Canadian Spirits

Our Team

Headshot photo of Cal Bricker, President and CEO

Cal Bricker

President & CEO

Headshot photo of Cedric Salibi, Senior Vice President, Policy and Analytics

Cedric Salibi

Chief Strategy & Operating Officer

Headshot photo of Catherine Eaton, VP Finance and Operations.

Catherine Eaton

VP Finance & Corporate Services

Headshot photo of Gabriel Dzathor, Director, Economic Policy and Intelligence.

Gabriel Dzathor

Director, Strategy & Intelligence

Headshot photo of Via Dulay, Director, Communications & Public Affairs.

Via Dulay

Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Debjit Das

Director, Strategic Planning & Transformation

Industry Collaboration

Spirits Canada collaborates with national and international beverage alcohol trade associations to promote fair, transparent market access and non-discriminatory competition. With centuries of collective industry expertise, we serve as a key resource for governments seeking to strengthen global trade relationships.

Read Our Code of Conduct

The Code applies to all activities undertaken to advertise and market distilled spirits. Spirits Canada Members are encouraged to ensure all the beverage alcohol products they represent in Canada including malt-based, cider or wine also comply with the Code. These activities include brand advertising, consumer communications, promotional events, packaging, labels, and sales materials.

Our Location

Association of Canadian Distillers

219 Dufferin St. 100A-2

Toronto, ON M6K 3J1

Canada

Brandmark of Spirits Canada

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