GROWING ONTARIO’S CRAFT CIDER INDUSTRY ACT PASSES KEY VOTE

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Sylvia Jones MPP Dufferin-Caledon’s private member’s bill, Bill 110 – the Growing Ontario’s Craft Cider Industry Act passed second reading in the Legislature, bringing it one step closer to becoming law.

“Bill 110 would ensure that the mark-up or tax imposed on Ontario cider does not exceed the mark-up or tax imposed on beer in Ontario. When the Ontario craft beer industry was in its infancy they received support from the government by paying a lower tax rate. Ontario’s craft cider industry deserves the same show of support from government,” Jones said.

“My private member’s bill came about after meeting with Tom Wilson of Spirit Tree Estate Cidery and Nick and Lindsay Sutcliffe of Southern Cliff Brands, in Dufferin-Caledon. When I met them they explained to me the successes and challenges they faced in the cider industry, including the astronomically high mark-up fees they pay to the LCBO. The more we talked we saw an opportunity to work together to help this industry through legislation,” Jones said.

“We should be showing our support for this truly made-in Ontario product as they only use Ontario apples and pears. Ontario’s craft cider industry has rapidly expanded and sales for Ontario craft cider have grown just as fast. We should be very proud of it,” Jones said.

“This is a great day for Ontario’s craft cider industry and I am pleased that my private member’s bill will help this fledging industry. I hope to see Bill 110 reach the next step to becoming law,” Jones said.

To read more about what Jones is doing in the Legislature please visit: www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.