Beer Canada’s board of directors governs the affairs of the association and provides overall guidance to support and further Beer Canada’s strategic goals.
Per Damgaard Hansen
Managing Director, Carlsberg Canada
Will Meijer
President, Molson Coors Canada
John Sleeman
Founder and Chairman, Sleeman Breweries
Andrew Oland
President & CEO, Moosehead Breweries Limited
Brian Perkins
President, Labatt Breweries of Canada
President, Labatt Breweries of Canada
Brian Perkins is a seasoned beverage industry executive with extensive commercial and leadership experience at AB InBev. As President of Labatt, he is responsible for guiding the continued growth of Canada’s leading brewer.
Originally from South Africa, Brian began his AB InBev career in 2011 as Global Marketing Manager, Innovation. Since then, he has held senior roles across the company’s marketing, sales and commercial teams, including VP of Global Marketing for the Budweiser brand, Co-Founder and Head of Growth for BEES — AB InBev’s proprietary B2B ecommerce platform — and Chief Commercial Officer for AB InBev Europe & Middle East.
Before joining Labatt in February 2026, Brian served as President, West Europe and CEO of Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I.
Brian is now based in Toronto with his wife and two children. He has also joined the Board of The Beer Store.
Président, Labatt Breweries of Canada
Brian Perkins est un dirigeant chevronné de l’industrie des boissons avec une grande expérience commerciale et en leadership au sein d’AB InBev. À titre de président de Labatt, il est responsable de guider la croissance continue du plus grand brasseur du Canada.
Originaire d’Afrique du Sud, Brian a amorcé sa carrière chez AB InBev en 2011 à titre de directeur mondial du marketing, Innovation. Depuis, il a occupé des postes de direction au sein des équipes de marketing, de ventes et des affaires commerciales de l’entreprise, notamment vice-président du marketing mondial pour la marque Budweiser, cofondateur et responsable de la croissance de BEES — la plateforme de commerce électronique interentreprises propriétaire d’AB InBev — ainsi que chef de la direction commerciale pour AB InBev Europe et Moyen-Orient.
Avant de se joindre à Labatt en février 2026, Brian a occupé le poste de président, Europe de l’Ouest, et chef de la direction de Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I.
Brian réside maintenant à Toronto avec son épouse et leurs deux enfants. Il a également joint le conseil d’administration de The Beer Store.
Economist and Director of Scientific Affairs
Saili Chisanga is the Economist and Director of Scientific Affairs at Beer Canada. He leads the strategic direction of the economic, scientific, and social database used to demonstrate the contribution and impact of the brewing industry in Canada.
Saili brings over a decade of expertise in economic intelligence, business strategy, and business economics. Before joining Beer Canada, he worked in developing business and product strategies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, beverage, and manufacturing sectors.
He is passionate about integrating macroeconomic and socio-economic perspectives into industry data analysis to understand the long-term impact of business decisions. He is skilled at synthesizing complex data and identifying opportunities using a strategic, quantitative, and market-driven approach.
Saili is based in Mississauga, where he lives with his wife and their three children. Outside of work, Saili enjoys fitness training, astronomy, soccer, and gardening. He also enjoys trying a variety of beers and seltzers.
Président et chef de la direction, Moosehead Breweries Limited
Andrew Oland est président et chef de la direction de Moosehead Breweries Limited. Il est le sixième membre de sa famille, sur autant de générations, à diriger l’entreprise brassicole Oland, fondée par son arrière-arrière-arrière-grand-mère Susannah Oland en 1867.
M. Oland a obtenu son diplôme en administration des affaires de l’Université Old Dominion, à Norfolk, en Virginie, en 1989, puis son MBA de la Harvard Business School en 1997. Il s’est joint à Moosehead en 1992 comme contremaître à l’atelier d’embouteillage de l’entreprise et y a occupé des postes de plus en plus importants, dont ceux de directeur des ventes pour la Nouvelle-Écosse, de directeur des ventes pour le Nouveau-Brunswick, de directeur du marketing pour Alpine Lager et de président de Moosehead Québec. Il a été nommé président le 1er avril 2008.
À titre de président et chef de la direction, M. Oland est directement responsable du rendement de l’entreprise et de ses filiales. Il siège actuellement aux conseils d’administration du Conference Board du Canada, de Bière Canada et d’Enterprise Saint John, en plus d’agir comme conseiller auprès du conseil d’EPC Industries Limited. Convaincu que l’immigration est essentielle à la prospérité à long terme du Nouveau-Brunswick, M. Oland consacre bénévolement de son temps au mentorat de nouveaux arrivants.
M. Oland et son épouse, Leslie, résident à Rothesay, au Nouveau-Brunswick. Ils ont trois enfants adultes.
Président, Molson Coors Canada
Will Meijer est président, ventes Canada chez Molson Coors Beverage Company, où il dirige l’organisation nationale des ventes et assure l’exécution commerciale dans l’ensemble des réseaux. Il possède une expertise approfondie en leadership des ventes, en croissance des revenus, en stratégie client et en commercialisation de portefeuilles dans les secteurs de la bière, du vin et des spiritueux.
Avant d’occuper ses fonctions actuelles, M. Meijer a été vice-président exécutif des ventes chez Arterra Wines Canada, où il a dirigé les équipes de vente en gros, de vente au détail, d’exportation internationale et de gestion des revenus, en plus de faire progresser des stratégies de croissance axées sur le client pour un portefeuille de premier plan de marques de vin canadiennes et internationales.
Plus tôt dans sa carrière, M. Meijer a occupé des postes de direction de plus en plus importants chez Molson Coors, notamment celui de président de Six Pints Specialty Beer Company, ainsi que plusieurs postes de vice-président en ventes, en stratégie, en activation de marque et en transformation des affaires, avec une pleine responsabilité des résultats et la direction de grandes équipes multidisciplinaires.
Président du conseil d’administration, Bière Canada
Fondateur et président du conseil, Sleeman Breweries
John Sleeman est fondateur et président du conseil de Sleeman Breweries ltée. À 23 ans, il a lancé sa première entreprise, un pub de style britannique, qu’il a vendu après trois ans d’exploitation rentable pour fonder The Imported Beer Company, qu’il a fait croître avec succès à l’échelle nationale. En 1985, il a fait revivre l’héritage brassicole de sa famille dans l’industrie canadienne de la bière en s’appuyant sur le brevet, les bouteilles, les étiquettes et les recettes d’origine.
Il est récipiendaire de nombreux prix, dont le prix Outstanding Business Achievement (1991), le palmarès des 100 meilleurs entrepreneurs (1995 et 1996), celui des 50 sociétés privées les mieux gérées (1995) et celui des 200 entreprises à la croissance la plus rapide au Canada (2001). En 1997, M. Sleeman a reçu le prix du maire en reconnaissance de sa contribution à la communauté, et en 1999, il a reçu le prix de l’American Marketing Association. L’Université de Guelph lui a décerné un doctorat honorifique en droit en 2008.
M. Sleeman est membre des conseils et organisations suivants : Bière Canada, The Beer Store, la Chambre de commerce britanno-canadienne, la Young Presidents’ Organization et ABMRF/The Foundation for Alcohol Research, en plus d’être président du Programme du prix du duc d’Édimbourg au Canada.
President, Molson Coors Canada
Will Meijer serves as President, Canada Sales at Molson Coors Beverage Company, where he is responsible for leading the company’s national sales organization and driving commercial execution across channels. He brings deep expertise in sales leadership, revenue growth, customer strategy and portfolio commercialization across beer, wine and spirits.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Meijer served as Executive Vice President of Sales at Arterra Wines Canada, where he led the wholesale, retail, international export and revenue management organizations and advanced customer-led growth strategies across a leading portfolio of domestic and international wine brands.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Meijer held progressively senior leadership roles at Molson Coors, including President of Six Pints Specialty Beer Company and multiple vice-president roles across sales, strategy, brand activation and business transformation, with full P&L responsibility and leadership of large cross-functional teams.
Directeur, Communications stratégiques
À titre de Directeur des communications stratégiques, Rahim Karmali dirige les initiatives de communications chez Bière Canada — contribuant à promouvoir ses objectifs, à renforcer ses efforts de sensibilisation et à informer le public sur l’industrie brassicole canadienne.
Rahim possède plus de dix ans d’expérience en communications, marketing, traduction et relations publiques. Au fil de sa carrière, il a collaboré avec des organisations des secteurs public et privé ainsi que des organismes sans but lucratif afin de développer des stratégies et des campagnes de communications bilingues qui rapprochent les marques de leurs publics partout au Canada.
Originaire de Montréal, Rahim est naturellement bilingue et titulaire d’une maîtrise en communication de l’Université d’Ottawa. Ancien athlète de badminton parmi les mieux classés au pays et foodie dans l’âme, il a voyagé dans plus de 30 pays et adore savourer une bonne lager canadienne.
Director, Strategic Communications
As Director, Strategic Communications, Rahim Karmali leads Beer Canada’s communications initiatives — helping shape the voice, advocacy efforts, and awareness of Canada’s brewing industry.
Rahim brings over a decade of experience in communications, marketing, translation and public relations. Throughout his career, he’s partnered with organizations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to develop bilingual communications strategies and campaigns that engage brands with their audiences across Canada.
Born and raised in Montréal, Rahim is natively bilingual and holds a Master’s in Communication from the University of Ottawa. A former top-ranked national badminton athlete and a foodie at heart, he’s travelled to over 30 countries and loves a good ol’ Canadian lager.
Vice-président, Relations gouvernementales – Ouest du Canada
Evan Southern dirige les affaires gouvernementales pour l’Ouest du Canada. Evan a rejoint Beer Canada en 2023, apportant plus de 15 ans d’expérience dans la haute administration, notamment en tant que chef de cabinet du procureur général et directeur de la gestion des enjeux pour le premier ministre de la Colombie-Britannique. Evan vit à Victoria avec sa femme, Jessica, et son fils Nash.
Président
Richard Alexander a été nommé président de Beer Canada en octobre 2025. Dirigeant chevronné des affaires publiques, il transforme des enjeux politiques complexes en résultats concrets. Bâtisseur de coalitions et voix médiatique reconnue, Richard a obtenu des économies de plusieurs milliards de dollars pour les entreprises qu’il a représentées, a dirigé des campagnes primées et a remporté des victoires législatives aux paliers municipal, provincial et fédéral tout au long de sa carrière.
Auparavant vice-président exécutif, Affaires gouvernementales et affaires publiques chez Restaurants Canada, il dirigeait une équipe nationale et gérait des portefeuilles de plusieurs millions de dollars. En dehors du travail, Richard est un skieur et pagayeur assidu, ainsi qu’un ancien cinéaste d’aventure dont la série Paddle East a remporté huit prix dans des festivals internationaux.
President
Richard Alexander was appointed President of Beer Canada in October 2025. A veteran public-affairs leader, he turns complex policy into practical outcomes. A coalition builder and trusted media voice, Richard has secured billions in savings for the businesses he represented, led award-winning campaigns, and delivered legislative wins at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels throughout his career. Previously EVP, Government Relations & Public Affairs at Restaurants Canada, he led a national team and managed multi-million-dollar portfolios. Outside work, Richard is an avid skier and paddler, and a former adventure filmmaker whose Paddle East series earned eight international festival awards.
Directeur général, Carlsberg Canada
Per Damgaard Hansen est un leader commercial chevronné qui cumule plus d’une décennie au sein du groupe Carlsberg et de l’industrie des boissons. Il est actuellement directeur général de Carlsberg Canada.
D’origine danoise, Per a bâti sa carrière tant au Danemark qu’à l’international, dans les secteurs de la confiserie et des boissons. Avant d’assumer ses fonctions actuelles au Canada, il a été vice-président, ventes en établissement, puis vice-président, ventes au détail chez Carlsberg Danemark de 2019 à 2024. Il a également été actif au sein de l’Association des brasseurs danois et a siégé au conseil d’administration de Dansk Retursystem A/S, le système de consigne danois.
En janvier 2025, Per s’est établi au Canada pour diriger les activités canadiennes de Carlsberg et siège depuis au conseil d’administration de The Beer Store.
Il est diplômé de la Copenhagen Business School, au Danemark, et a complété sa formation par des études internationales à la Robert H. Smith School of Business de l’Université du Maryland.
Vice President,
Federal Affairs
Luke Chapman leads Beer Canada’s federal government affairs. Born in Picton, Ontario, Luke joined Beer Canada in 2013. He played for the Carleton Ravens basketball team for 4 years and is happy to talk about beer, sports, and health. He is also a graduate of the Canadian Society of Association Executive’s CAE Program.
Président
CJ Hélie a été nommé président de Bière Canada en juin 2021. CJ possède plus de 25 ans d’expérience dans l’industrie canadienne des boissons alcooliques et une connaissance approfondie du secteur aux niveaux provincial/territorial, national et international. CJ est un spécialiste chevronné des relations gouvernementales qui possède une solide expérience en matière de planification stratégique et commerciale efficace, de commerce national et international et de communication d’entreprise. CJ a forgé de précieuses relations de travail avec les organismes de réglementation des alcools, les législateurs et les décideurs politiques, ainsi qu’avec les industries connexes, afin d’établir des partenariats à long terme et de trouver des solutions concertées aux problèmes émergents.
Conseiller principal en recherche
Vétéran de l’industrie avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience, Ed Gregory est responsable du suivi et de l’évaluation de l’environnement réglementaire complexe de la catégorie de la bière, tant au niveau national qu’international. Il gère également les recherches de Bière Canada et contribue aux communications et aux relations avec les partenaires. Ed est heureux de siroter un éventail de styles de bières et est un astrophotographe passionné.
Vice President,
Strategic communications
Originaire de Montréal, Karine Cousineau dirige les communications stratégiques de Bière Canada. Elle possède plus de 20 ans d’expertise en communications, en relations gouvernementales et en planification stratégique dans les secteurs public et privé.
Avant de se joindre à Bière Canada, Karine a passé près de quatre ans à diriger les relations gouvernementales, les communications et la durabilité pour un producteur de cannabis autorisé qui exerce ses activités au Québec et en Ontario. Elle a également dirigé les communications d’entreprise au Canada pendant cinq ans pour la plus grande entreprise diversifiée de matériaux de construction en Amérique du Nord. En tant que consultante, Karine a représenté des clients dans divers secteurs, notamment la défense, les transports, les sports et les soins de santé. Son expérience sur la Colline du Parlement comprend des rôles dans les bureaux du ministre fédéral des Transports et du lieutenant du Québec, du ministre des Finances et du Premier ministre.
En dehors du travail, Karine canalise sa curiosité en apprenant de nouvelles compétences telles que la chapellerie, la couture et la cordonnerie. Passionnée de course à pied, elle aime participer à des événements, en particulier ceux qui l’emmènent vers des destinations passionnantes.
Adjointe de direction
Lella Cirone s’est jointe à Bière Canada en 2021 à titre d’adjointe exécutive. Forte de plus de 25 ans d’expérience dans l’industrie de la bière, plus récemment au sein des Brasseurs nationaux du Canada, elle travaille en étroite collaboration avec le président et l’équipe. Vivant à Toronto, Lella aime le plein air, le jardinage et la cuisine.
Vice-président, Québec
Philippe Roy s’est joint à l’équipe de Beer Canada à titre de vice-président, Québec, en novembre 2021. Philippe possède 30 ans d’expérience en politique et en affaires publiques. Il est à la fois avocat, professionnel des communications et personnalité politique bien connue du milieu des affaires.
Vice-présidente, Ontario et Canada atlantique
Emma Breen dirige les affaires gouvernementales pour l’Ontario et le Canada atlantique. Emma s’est jointe à Bière Canada après avoir sept ans sur les enjeux réglementaires et politiques auprès des Brasseurs nationaux du Canada. Avant ce rôle, elle a été conseillère politique principale auprès de deux ministres des Finances et un premier ministre de l’Ontario. Emma est basée à Toronto, où elle vit avec son mari et leurs quatre enfants.
Gestionnaire principal,
Opérations et Services aux membres
Dans son rôle, Tanya Bernier gère les activités du personnel, des fournisseurs, des TI, des RH et de la comptabilité de Bière Canada. Tanya dirige également les services de données de Bière Canada. En dehors du travail, Tanya et son mari se tiennent occupés avec leurs trois enfants et de leurs trois animaux de compagnie.
Directeur, Stratégies
et politiques, Québec
Félix détient un baccalauréat en sciences politiques et en développement international de l’Université McGill, ainsi qu’une maîtrise en sécurité internationale de Sciences Po Paris. Avant de rejoindre Bière Canada, il a occupé le poste de chef des affaires publiques et économiques à la Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain, où il a piloté des initiatives à l’intersection des affaires et des politiques publiques. Félix a également acquis une solide expérience fédérale en tant que conseiller en politiques à Affaires mondiales Canada, sur la colline parlementaire, ainsi qu’en tant que stagiaire spécialisé en politique économique et commerciale à l’ambassade du Canada à Washington, D.C.
Profondément attaché à Montréal, Félix aime courir sur le Mont-Royal, découvrir la scène dynamique des restaurants et des bars de la ville avec ses amis, et se plonger dans sa passion pour le cinéma. Parlant couramment le français, l’anglais et le polonais, il s’efforce de maintenir ses compétences en russe, bien que la langue semble avoir d’autres projets pour lui.
Économiste et directeur des affaires scientifiques
Saili Chisanga est l’économiste et le directeur des affaires scientifiques de Bière Canada. Il dirige l’orientation stratégique de la base de données économiques, scientifiques et sociales afin de démontrer la contribution et l’impact de la bière et du brassage au Canada.
Saili possède plus d’une décennie d’expertise en matière d’intelligence économique, de stratégie commerciale et d’économie d’entreprise. Avant de se joindre à Bière Canada, Saili a contribué à l’élaboration de stratégies commerciales et de produits dans les secteurs des biens de consommation emballés (CPG), de la vente au détail, des boissons et de la fabrication.
Il est passionné par la valeur de l’intégration des perspectives macroéconomiques et socio-économiques à l’analyse des données de l’industrie pour comprendre l’impact à long terme des décisions d’affaires. Il est capable de synthétiser des données complexes et d’identifier des opportunités en utilisant une approche stratégique, quantitative et axée sur le marché.
Saili est basé à Mississauga, où il vit avec sa femme et leurs trois enfants. En dehors du travail, Saili aime l’entraînement physique, l’astronomie, le soccer et le jardinage. Il aime aussi essayer une variété de bières et de seltzers.
Vice President,
Government Relations
Western Canada
Evan Southern leads government affairs for Western Canada. Evan joined Beer Canada in 2023, bringing over 15 years of senior government experience, including serving the province as Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Director of Issues Management to the Premier of British Columbia. Evan lives in Victoria with his wife, Jessica, and son Nash.
President, Molson Coors Canada
As President of Molson Coors Canada, Chantalle oversees the company’s strategy and operations nationwide. She joined Molson Coors in 2019 as vice president of finance and led enterprise fiscal activity in Canada during a time of substantial growth for the business. Prior to her promotion to president, Chantalle’s tenure in finance culminated in Molson Coors growing in all regions of Canada and all segments of the Canadian beer industry.
As a leader, Chantalle is committed to growth, driving a positive and engaging workplace culture, and guiding Molson Coors toward sustained success. A certified CPA, CA, Chantalle graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics and a Masters in Accountancy. She has also recently received her North American Corporate Directors Directorship Certificate. She has more than two decades of executive experience in consumer-goods, and has held various roles in audit, tax, financial shared services and external financial reporting in companies such as Labatt Brewing Company Limited, George Weston Limited and Weston Foods.
Chantalle currently serves as the Chair of The Beer Store and Chair of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Brewers Distributors Ltd. and Beer Canada.
The mother of two active boys (19 and 16 years old), Chantalle likes to read, run, ride the peloton, go for hikes with her friends and her dog Bower, and most of all spend family time at their “camp” in northern Ontario.
Managing Director, Carlsberg Canada
Per Damgaard Hansen is an experienced commercial leader with more than a decade at the Carlsberg Group and in the beverage industry. He is currently the Managing Director of Carlsberg Canada.
A Danish national, Per has built his career both domestically and internationally across the confectionery and beverage industries.
Before taking on his current role in Canada, he served as Vice President, On-Trade and Vice President, Off-Trade for Carlsberg Denmark from 2019 to 2024. In addition, he was actively engaged in the Danish Brewery Association and served as a board member of Dansk Retursystem A/S—the Danish deposit return system.
In January 2025, Per relocated to Canada to lead Carlsberg’s Canadian operations and has since also joined the Board of The Beer Store.
He holds a degree from Copenhagen Business School, Denmark, combined with international studies at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, USA.
Beer Canada Chair
Founder and Chairman, Sleeman Breweries
John Sleeman is Founder and Chairman of Sleeman Breweries Ltd. At 23, he launched his first business, a British-style pub, and after three years sold the profitable establishment to found The Imported Beer Company, which he successfully grew into a national company. In 1985, he revived his family’s brewing heritage in the Canadian beer industry using the original patent, bottles, labels and recipes.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including Outstanding Business Achievement (1991), Top 100 Entrepreneurs (1995 and 1996), one of the 50 Best Managed Private Companies (1995), and one of the Top 200 Fastest Growing Companies in Canada (2001). In 1997, Mr. Sleeman received the Mayor’s Award in recognition of his community contributions, and in 1999 he received the American Marketing Association award. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Guelph in 2008.
Mr. Sleeman is a member of the following boards and organizations: Beer Canada, The Beer Store, the British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the Young Presidents’ Organization, ABMRF/The Foundation for Alcohol Research, and Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program in Canada.
President & CEO, Moosehead Breweries Limited
Andrew Oland is President & CEO of Moosehead Breweries Limited. He is the sixth-generation member of his family to lead the Oland brewing business, started by his great-great-great-grandmother Susannah Oland in 1867.
Mr. Oland received his business degree in 1989 from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1997. He joined Moosehead in 1992 as a foreman in the company’s bottle shop and has held a number of increasingly senior positions, including Sales Manager for Nova Scotia, Sales Director for New Brunswick, Marketing Director for Alpine Lager, and President of Moosehead Quebec. He was appointed President on April 1, 2008.
As President & CEO, Mr. Oland has direct responsibility for the performance of the company and its subsidiary operations. He currently serves as a board member with the Conference Board of Canada, Beer Canada, and Enterprise Saint John, and as a Board Advisor for EPC Industries Limited. A passionate believer that immigration is essential to the long-term prosperity of New Brunswick, Mr. Oland volunteers his time mentoring new Canadians.
Mr. Oland and his wife, Leslie, reside in Rothesay, New Brunswick. They have three adult children.
Board member
Marcelo, known to most as Mika Michaelis, is President of Labatt Breweries of Canada, the Canadian division of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Mika has built an intimate knowledge of the beverage alcohol industry through nearly 20 years of experience with AB InBev and Anheuser Busch across US, Brazil and Canada. He applies his breadth of experience to continuously deliver market share growth and innovative strategies.
Prior to leading the Canadian business, Mika held a series of commercial leadership roles, including Vice President of Revenue Management & Sales Intelligence, Regional VP of the West Region, and most recently overseeing all aspects of the craft business in the U.S. Under Mika’s leadership, Anheuser Busch’s Brewers Collective delivered consistent volume, market share and engagement growth, and successfully integrated Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) into the AB portfolio.
Mika holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has two MBAs in both Marketing and Business.
Board member
George H. Croft has more than 30 years of experience in the Canadian beer industry. Becoming President and CEO of Waterloo Brewing Company in May 2008, George has restructured the business and taken the company from a financial loss to sustainable profitability. George joined Waterloo Brewing from Lakeport Brewing Income Fund, where he was responsible for all of the Fund’s operational and commercial matters as President and Chief Operating Officer. He began his career with Labatt Breweries of Canada, where he held various senior management assignments, including President of Oland Specialty Beer Company and President at Labatt Breweries of Ontario.
George is a graduate of the University of Alberta and is a Chartered Director and a Certified Management Accountant. George has served on the Executive Committee of Labatt USA Board, The Beer Store Board of Directors and Executive Member of Lakeport LLP Board. He is currently on the Board of the Beer Store and is a member of the Waterloo Brewing Board of Directors.
George was also an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 finalist as well as Canada’s Passion Capitalists 2012 finalist.
Board member
Frederic Landtmeters, President & CEO of Molson Coors Canada at Molson Coors Beverage Company, joins Canada’s oldest brewer from his previous role as Managing Director of Molson Coors UK & Ireland, which he held from January 2015.
Frederic has an international consumer packaged goods career spanning 18 years, including 16 years in the drinks business, and is a proven commercial leader with an exceptional track record in building great beer brands. He first became involved in the beer industry when he joined AB InBev in June 2006 as Global Brand Director for Beck’s. He then took over as Marketing Director for Benelux & France in 2008, before his appointment to the role of Chief Marketing Officer, StarBev in 2010, with responsibility for Central Europe and the re-launch of Staropramen as an international brand.
In 2012, Molson Coors’ acquired StarBev and the formation of Molson Coors Europe saw Frederic step in to the expanded role of Chief Commercial Officer, Molson Coors Europe, with accountability for Marketing, Sales, Pricing & Revenue Management and Innovation. Under his leadership, Molson Coors Europe saw brand health growth in all markets and had strong results from the implementation of a rich innovation pipeline. Frederic then transitioned to his role as Managing Director of Molson Coors UK, where he continued to drive innovation and brand performance.
With the Molson family’s rich Canadian history and a world-class brewing heritage, Frederic is excited and honoured to be a part of Molson Coors Beverage Company. Frederic is married to Veronique, and they have two sons; he is a keen follower of sport as well as an avid cyclist. Frederic became Beer Canada’s Chair in October 2021.
President
CJ Hélie was appointed President of Beer Canada in June 2021. CJ has over 25 years of experience in the Canadian beverage alcohol industry with intimate knowledge of the sector at the provincial/territorial, national and international levels. CJ is a seasoned government relations specialist with a strong track record in effective strategic and business planning, domestic and international trade and corporate communications. CJ has forged valued working relationships with liquor regulators, legislators and policy makers as well as with related industries to build long-term partnerships and to find collaborative solutions to emerging issues.
Senior Research Advisor
An industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Ed Gregory is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the beer category’s complex regulatory environment, domestically and internationally. He also manages Beer Canada’s research and provides input on communications and partner relationships. Ed is happy to sip on a range of beer styles and is an avid astrophotographer.
Director, Strategies
and Policies, Québec
Félix holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Development from McGill University and a master’s degree in international security from Sciences Po Paris. Before joining Beer Canada, he served as Head of Public and Economic Affairs at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal, where he led initiatives at the intersection of business and public policy. Félix has also gained valuable federal experience through roles at Global Affairs Canada as a Policy Advisor, on Parliament Hill, and as an intern specializing in economic and trade policy at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Strongly connected to Montréal, Félix enjoys running up Mont-Royal, exploring the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene with friends, and immersing himself in his passion for cinema. Fluent in French, English, and Polish, Félix is determined to keep his Russian skills from getting too rusty—though the language seems to have its own plans.
Vice President,
Strategic communications
Montreal native Karine Cousineau leads Beer Canada’s strategic communications, bringing over 20 years of expertise in communications, government relations, and strategic planning across the public and private sectors.
Before joining Beer Canada, Karine spent nearly four years directing government relations, communications, and sustainability for a licensed cannabis producer operating in Quebec and Ontario. She also led corporate and internal communications in Canada for five years at North America’s largest diversified construction materials company. As a consultant, Karine represented clients across diverse industries, including defense, transportation, sports, and health care. Her experience on Parliament Hill includes roles in the offices of the Federal Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, the finance minister, and the Prime Minister.
Outside of work, Karine channels her curiosity into learning new skills such as millinery, sewing and shoemaking. An avid runner, she enjoys participating in events, especially those that take her to exciting destinations.
Executive Assistant
Lella Cirone joined Beer Canada in 2021 as Executive Assistant. Skilled with over 25 years of experience in the beer industry, most recently as part of Canada’s National Brewers, she works closely with the President and team. Living in Toronto, Lella loves the outdoors, gardening and cooking.
Vice President, Québec
Philippe Roy, joined the Beer Canada team as Vice-President, Québec, in November 2021. Philippe has 30 years of experience in politics and public affairs and is a lawyer, a communications professional and a well-known political figure in the business community.
Vice-président,
Affaires gouvernementales fédérales
Luke Chapman dirige les affaires gouvernementales fédérales de Bière Canada. Né à Picton, en Ontario, Luke s’est joint à Beer Canada en 2013. Il a joué pour l’équipe de basketball Carleton Ravens pendant quatre ans et est heureux de parler de bière, de sports et de santé. Il est également diplômé du programme CAE de la Société canadienne des directeurs d’association.
Director, Communications
& Engagement
Ottawa born and raised, Brittany Burden (Moorcroft) leads Beer Canada’s communications and executes creative and digital strategy to meet the Association’s objectives. Going on 14 years at the Association, Brittany is a fan of Hefeweizens and radlers. She is a Prud’homme Beer Sommelier.
Vice President, Ontario
& Atlantic Canada
Emma Breen oversees government affairs for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Emma joins Beer Canada after 7 years of navigating regulatory and policy issues with Canada’s National Brewers; prior to this role, Emma was senior political advisor to two Ontario Finance Ministers and an Ontario Premier. Emma is based in Toronto, where she Iives with her husband and four children.
Senior Manager, Operations
& Member Services
In her role, Tanya Bernier manages activities of the staff, suppliers, IT, HR and accounting at Beer Canada. Tanya also leads on Beer Canada’s data services. Outside of work, Tanya and her husband keep busy with their 3 children and pets.
With sky-high inflation pushing prices higher for food, gas, housing, and other necessities at the fastest pace in decades, the last thing Canadian families need is another federal beer tax increase. Canadians already pay amongst the highest beer taxes in the world. We believe our governments should do their best to keep life affordable, not make it more expensive.
In Canada, taxes represent nearly 50% of the average retail price of beer. Federal taxes on beer have been increased every year since 2017 without a vote or debate in Parliament due to Ottawa’s automatic inflation-indexed alcohol tax hikes. Even at the height of the pandemic, when restaurants and bars were forced to close and many Canadians were out-of-work, these stealth tax hikes went ahead.
88% of the beer consumed here is made here.
Beer is truly a local business with small, medium, and larger brewers making positive contributions to Canada’s reputation, economy, communities, and social well-being. Your favorite pint is made by talented brewers from barley grown locally by dedicated farmers. It’s delivered by rail or truck to your local alcohol retailer or pub and served to you cold by a beer expert. And yet, tax is the single largest component of the price you pay for Canadian beer. Almost half the retail price of beer in Canada — 47 per cent — is government tax, a commodity tax rate five times higher than in the U.S. and significantly higher than in most EU countries.
It’s time for MPs from all parties to stand up and voice their support for hard-working Canadian beer consumers, the 21,000 Canadians directly employed by brewers and the thousands of workers and businesses connected to brewing by voting to defer the annual inflation-indexed beer tax increase before the next one comes into effect on April 1, 2023.
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