Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates is celebrating the elimination of the basic 6.1 per cent tax on winery retail stores – a something he calls a real victory for the Ontario wine industry, and a common-sense measure.
“This is a major win for winemakers and workers in the Ontario wine industry, especially in the Niagara region,” said Gates. “Niagara is the biggest wine producing region in the country and contributes over $1 billion to Canada’s GDP. The elimination of this basic tax will help Niagara’s economy and create more jobs for residents.”
In September 2023, MPP Gates was joined by winemakers and industry stakeholders at Queen’s Park to table a bill that would eliminate this tax. It was the third time since 2018 that he introduced this important legislation. The elimination of this 6.1 per cent tax will provide equal opportunity for Ontario-grown wine in other jurisdictions, like B.C.
“I want to thank workers and winemakers in Niagara, and across the province who came together to make their voices heard and advocate on this issue,” said Gates. “By coming together, we got a major win that will support the tourism industry and job creation right here in Niagara.”
