MPP Tim Hudak supported local agribusiness when he spoke and voted in favour of Bill 110, Growing Ontario’s Craft Cider Industry Act, when it passed second reading on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The Bill, co-sponsored by Conservative MPP Sylvia Jones and Liberal MPP Arthur Potts will help Ontario craft cider makers sell more product and support agribusiness in the province.
“This is good for agribusiness, like our apple and pear growers. It’s good for the province. It responds to consumer demand and, ultimately, it’s fair,” said Hudak in support of Bill 110.
Pointing out the economic spin-off from $1 spent on VQA wines (made of 100% Niagara grapes) is up to $3 to the local economy, Hudak said expanding the cider industry in Ontario would be of economic benefit to Ontario, and particularly to Niagara.
“This Bill will launch a new chapter in the successful Ontario craft beverages industry creating jobs and economic growth, particularly in rural Ontario,” said Thomas Wilson, Chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association.
Bill 110 would lower the markup on Ontario cider to make it more attractive to consumers, matching an earlier decision by the provincial government to give a similar tax break to craft beer. At a time when cider is the fastest growing segment in the LCBO and both beer and wine-drinkers are choosing cider made from fresh Ontario apples and pears, Bill 110 offers cideries and growers opportunity for expansion.
Ontario Craft Cider producers use 100% Ontario grown apples and pears and are recognized globally, winning awards in some of the biggest competitions in the world.
Hudak pointed out the Hamilton and Niagara-area cideries in and around his riding would benefit from the Bill, but it is also good for local pear and apple farmers because it promotes rural and agricultural economies in the province.
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Sarah Whitaker | 905-563-1755