Investments by way of the Government of Canada’s 2021 budget will directly support the wine industry in Prince Edward County and across Canada

Bay of Quinte MP  and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Neil Ellis announced  Monday the federal government is investing over $100 million over the next two years to to support Canada’s wineries.

The MP said over the last 15 years, the growth of the Canadian wine sector has been a success story of Canada’s agri-food sector.

“In the Bay of Quinte, the contributions of the wine industry to the economy, culture, and quality life of our community are far reaching. Together with our tourism businesses and farmers, they have made our area a premier destination in Eastern Ontario,” Ellis stated. 

The two year, $101 million program will be invested over two years into the wine industry. Starting in 2022-23, a program for the wine sector will be implemented to support wineries in adapting to ongoing and emerging challenges, in line with Canada’s trade obligations. 

Ellis noted investments to be made through Budget 2021 recognize the important contributions of the wine industry to our regional and national economy and culture. The government will continue to be there for Canada’s domestic wine industry and the jobs it supports. 

Ellis said the wine industry in Prince Edward County has been integral to the Bay of Quinte region’s success, providing many opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. 

“Our government understands our responsibility to support these businesses and will continue to work in partnership with industry to support our jobs and domestic market,” he added.

Monday’s announcement was welcomed by local wineries and the Prince Edward County Winegrower’s Association who heralded news of  funding for an excise exemption replacement program in the 2021 Federal budget.

“Coupled with the challenges of the past year, our local winery members were very concerned about the prospect of losing our excise duty exemption without the commitment of a new program, said PECWA Chair Caroline Granger. “We extend our thanks and immense gratitude to MP Neil Ellis for his support and hard work on this file. We look forward to working with him on the detailed development of the program this summer.” 

“We are delighted that the government has recognized the wine sector. We look forward to more information on the investment and its support for the industry as it becomes available,”  added Brad Smith, President of Redtail Vineyards.