Toronto, ON — February 18, 2026 – Beer Canada welcomes the Doug Ford government’s continued decision not to automatically increase the basic beer tax by inflation each year, including the recent deferral of the scheduled March 1 increase. This approach provides important stability for Ontario consumers and brewers at a time of ongoing cost pressures.
We also appreciate the government’s decision to review the new wholesale beer mark-up rates proposed by the LCBO in October 2025 and to move forward with revised, lower rates applied consistently across all retail channels. This reflects meaningful engagement with industry and recognition of the economic realities facing Ontario’s brewing and hospitality sectors. By avoiding the higher rates originally contemplated, the government is helping to maintain affordability for consumers while supporting jobs and investment across the province.
Ontario’s brewing sector is a significant contributor to the provincial economy, sustaining communities, agricultural partners, and supply chains throughout the province. Continued collaboration between government and industry will remain critical to ensuring policies strike the right balance between fiscal responsibility, competitiveness, and affordability.
We thank the government for its responsiveness and look forward to ongoing engagement in support of Ontario brewers and consumers.
ABOUT BEER CANADA
Beer Canada is the sole national inclusive voice advocating on behalf of Canadian brewers of all sizes and regions and Canadian beer consumers.
Beer Canada’s member companies brew 90% of all beer consumed by Canadians annually. The production, distribution and sale of beer supports 149,000 Canadian jobs, generates $13.6 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $5.7 billion in government tax revenues.
