Ottawa, Ontario (February 20, 2025) – Wine Growers Canada (WGC) welcomes today’s commitment by the Leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party to tackle a longstanding interprovincial barrier impacting Ontarians – the ability to order premium Canadian wine directly from an out-of-province winery – should they form government post-election. Speaking alongside Nova Scotia Premier Houston, a commitment to considerably strengthening the Canada Free Trade Agreement was made by both individuals. Nova Scotia notably opened their borders to 100% Canadian wine from licensed Canadian wineries in the summer of 2015.
Eradicating these outdated barriers across Canada would spur growth for Canada’s wineries and grape growers, allow for more consumer choice, help wineries diversify their sales channels and markets, and create economic opportunity for all Canadians. Wine Growers Canada encourages the leaders of all Ontario parties to also commit to removing interprovincial barriers to wine before Ontarians go to the polls next week.
“As Canada confronts serious challenges to our Canada-U.S. trade relationship, we appreciate the leadership taken by Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party to make this pledge to eradicate these barriers to wine which date back to prohibition, and impede economic growth and consumer choice,” said Dan Paszkowski, President & CEO of WGC.
The Canadian wine industry is a vital economic driver, with over 600 wineries and 1,900 grape growers nationwide. The industry has a $11.5 billion national economic impact, directly and indirectly supporting 45,245 full-time jobs.
“This is the 21st century”, said Paszkowski, “and Canadian consumers expect to be able to purchase the wines they want in the manner of their choosing: at the winery, online, by phone, via email or through a wine club shipment. It’s time to follow the lead of other wine producing countries, like the United States, and remove the restrictions in Ontario and across Canada that limit or prohibit consumers from purchasing the wines they want directly from any licensed winery in Canada.”
“The 47 states in the U.S. allowing winery-to-consumer shipping cumulatively represent nearly 98% of the total U.S. population. We encourage all provincial political parties, provincial regulators and legislators across Canada to follow the pledge made by Premier Ford and fulfil Canadian consumers’ longstanding demands by committing to eliminate interprovincial barriers that restrict consumer choice and the growth of the Canadian wine industry,” added Paszkowski.
About Wine Growers Canada
Wine Growers Canada (WGC) is the national voice of the Canadian wine industry, representing more than 90% of the nation’s annual wine production. WGC members span the entire wine value chain, from grape growing and vineyard management to wine production, bottling, retail sales, and tourism. The association is committed to improving the business success of individual wineries while promoting the growth and prosperity of the entire Canadian wine industry.
Media Contacts
Caroline Henderson
Manager, Communications & Policy
Wine Growers Canada
[email protected]