In this issue, we examine the intricate network of taxes and trade barriers affecting every bottle sold in Canada.
From federal excise duties to provincial markups and classification challenges, Taxed to the Last Drop reveals just how deeply these systems impact our industry’s ability to innovate, price competitively and grow sustainably. For me, this piece is more than a policy deep dive – it’s a collection of human stories that highlight the real-world challenges and resilience of brewers, distillers and entrepreneurs across the country.
But taxation is only one piece of the broader puzzle.
Bottlenecked explores how interprovincial restrictions, inconsistent regulations and administrative hurdles continue to restrict access to domestic markets, often forcing alcohol brands to seek growth opportunities elsewhere. Reading and editing this story, I found myself wondering what a truly open Canadian market could look like, and how it might change the future for all of us in this industry.
Finally, in Northern Bound, we cover a different kind of border shift: the relocation of the historic Siebel Institute of Technology from Chicago to Montreal. This move is more than just a geographical change. It reflects the growing strength of Canada’s brewing industry. For Canadian brewers, it also means greater access to world-class education and talent.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions about this issue, or anything else on your mind. Have a topic you’d like to see explored in an upcoming issue? Reach out. If you’re interested in contributing an article, I’d be thrilled to hear from you and see how your perspective can help shape Poured Canada. And if you haven’t already, join us on Instagram to stay connected between issues!
Cheers,
