Our policy and advocacy priorities focus on fair taxation, trade and market access, industry modernization, sustainability, and the economic contributions of spirits. We also engage in responsible consumption discussions, ensuring that alcohol policies are balanced, evidence-based, and provide consumers with comprehensive information. Through collaboration with government and industry partners, we work to strengthen the role of Canadian spirits in both domestic and global markets.
Our priority is to actively engage with government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that support a thriving spirits sector. This involves promoting fair and effective regulations, addressing barriers to market access, and ensuring that our industry’s voice is heard in legislative discussions. By fostering strong relationships and collaborating on policy initiatives, we aim to create a regulatory framework that balances public interests with industry needs, ensuring a vibrant and competitive market for spirits in Canada.
Spirits in Canada face some of the highest tax and markup rates in the world, with layered federal excise duties, provincial markups, and sales taxes inflating consumer prices. We advocate for a fairer taxation system that supports industry growth, reduces the financial burden on consumers, and ensures Canada remains competitive in the global spirits market.
Outdated alcohol policies at both federal and provincial levels create barriers to consumer choice, industry investment, and economic growth. We work to modernize Canada’s spirits regulations—advocating for direct-to-consumer sales, expanded retail access, and a fair marketplace where spirits compete on equal footing with other alcohol categories.
A strong export market is essential for Canada’s spirits sector. We push for policies that enhance international trade opportunities, eliminate discriminatory tariffs, and streamline interprovincial trade barriers. Our goal is to ensure Canadian spirits can thrive both at home and abroad.
Promoting health and responsibility involves implementing and promoting educational programs that encourage moderation, providing resources for responsible drinking, and collaborating with health organizations to address public health concerns. We recognize that our industry has a role in fostering a culture of responsibility and ensuring that the enjoyment of spirits is aligned with public health objectives. Through continued advocacy for responsible practices and community engagement, we aim to enhance public awareness and support a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Spirits Canada supports and endorses the Government of Canada’s 2011 first-ever national Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines. The Guidelines provide Canadians with constructive and useful advice on what constitutes healthy and safe drinking, while warning about the risks of exceeding safe drinking limits. In this respect the Guidelines can reinforce positive and healthy drinking behaviour. We support responsible consumption and evidence-based public health policies. While the Canadian government provides low-risk drinking guidelines, we advocate for balanced messaging that respects consumer choice and aligns with international best practices.
Spirits Canada supports responsible consumption and evidence-based public health initiatives that provide Canadians with comprehensive information on alcohol. We believe that consumers should have access to a broad range of educational resources that present the full spectrum of scientific evidence on alcohol’s risks and effects. Public policy should prioritize informed choice by ensuring that guidance on alcohol consumption is balanced, contextualized, and based on the preponderance of evidence. Effective education goes beyond labels, incorporating a variety of tools such as public awareness campaigns, consumer resources, and responsible industry initiatives. As an industry, we are committed to working with governments, public health organizations, and stakeholders to ensure that Canadians receive meaningful, fact-based information to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.
The spirits industry is committed to reducing its environmental impact through sustainable production, packaging, and distribution practices. We support initiatives that promote sustainability in distilling, including carbon reduction, water conservation, and circular economy solutions.
