Niagara Falls MPP tables bill to ax provincial taxes on wine industry

Niagara | Niagara Falls | Niagara on the Lake | Business | Politics |

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Published September 15, 2023 at 10:29 am

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates has tabled a bill that would cancel the 6.1 per cent provincial tax charged on Ontario wines.

It’s not every day a bill is tabled at Queen’s Park with Niagara’s name in it but then again, the region does have the lion’s share of province’s wineries.

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates is bringing back a previously-discarded bill that would cancel the 6.1 per cent provincial tax charged on Ontario wines.

“The wine industry is an incredibly important part of our community here in Niagara and the economic impact of COVID-19 has dealt a massive blow,” said the MPP, who also represents Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake in his riding.

“This legislation is an important step in creating a level playing field and assisting our wineries and growers during a difficult time.”

Gates tabled a similar bill in 2018 but it fell to the wayside after the Provincial election was called.

His bill, the “Supporting Economic Recovery and Renewal in the Niagara Region Act”, would create a tax exemption for all on-site retail sales of VQA and 100 per cent Ontario wine for all wineries in the province.

Wineries have to pay the 6.1 per cent to the Province on top of HST and other levies whereas foreign wines do not face the same charges.

“We all know how important the wine industry is to Niagara – especially this weekend, with the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival,” said Gates. “It’s the largest in Canada, and plays a key role in supporting nearly every aspect of the local economy, from tourism, to education, to next-generation farming & manufacturing to transportation.”

“This simple, common-sense reform would provide equal opportunity to Ontario-grown wine, and will lead to job creation and economic growth right here in our community. It’s a no-brainer – so let’s come together and get this done.”

Below, Gates make his announcement at Queen’s Park flanked by representative from the wine industry.

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