On Monday, Oct. 5, Members of Parliament and senators joined brewers from across the country at Beer Canada’s annual parliamentary reception in Ottawa, Ont. Wednesday, Oct. 7 marked the eighth annual Canadian Beer Day, a national celebration of the people who grow, brew, deliver, sell, serve and enjoy beer made in Canada.
Brewers on the Hill
Hosted by the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Beer Industry Caucus, the reception at Bier Markt on Sparks St. welcomed more than 250 guests, including MPs and senators from all parties, senior staff and brewers of all sizes and regions. The evening offered a chance to highlight what the industry brings to communities across Canada: more than 1,300 breweries, 149,000 jobs and $13.6 billion in GDP.
“Monday’s turnout says a lot about how much beer means to this country,” said Richard Alexander, president of Beer Canada. “Parliamentarians from all sides of the aisle took the time to meet the people who brew Canada’s beer and had important conversations about jobs, farms, local businesses and communities in every province and territory. We are grateful to our beer caucus for all their ongoing and unwavering support, and to all the guests who joined us.”
Canada celebrates Canadian Beer Day
Two days later, Canadians from coast to coast to coast marked Canadian Beer Day under the 2026 theme, Brewed into Canadian Culture. Breweries, restaurants, bars, retailers and beer lovers shared their celebrations online and in person, including a special social media message from Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Canadian Beer Day giveaway drew more than 1,775 entries from across the country, and the winner was announced the following Friday, Oct. 9.
“Canadian Beer Day is about the people behind the brewing industry, from the farmers who grow the barley to the brewers, drivers, retailers and servers who bring Canadian beer to Canadians,” said Alexander. “Thank you to our member brewers, our partners and every Canadian who celebrated with us.”
Looking ahead
Beer Canada will carry this week’s momentum into the fall. As Parliament prepares for Budget 2026, the industry continues to call for the permanent repeal of the federal beer excise tax escalator so Canadian brewers can keep investing in the jobs and communities celebrated on Canadian Beer Day.
