Canadian Craft Brewers Association Applauds Extension of Excise Tax Modernization to Support Small Independent Brewers

OTTAWA, ON, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - The Canadian Craft Brewers Association is delighted with the news that craft breweries will continue to receive a 50% reduction in excise taxes on their first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed for an additional two years, along with a 2% cap on the annual escalator. This announcement demonstrates the Federal Government's recognition of the importance of reducing the tax burden on Canada's locally owned and operated craft breweries. It is a welcome and timely development for our sector, which is facing unprecedented uncertainty for small businesses and workers. Together, these two measures are expected to provide more than $30 million in total relief through to 2028. For typical local craft breweries, this keeps thousands of dollars in their operations, with savings reaching as high as $90,456 for Canada's larger independent brewers.

This change acknowledges the urgent need to support Canada's smaller breweries, which represent almost 30,000 industry jobs. According to data from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 63% of the nearly 900 breweries producing less than 15,000 hectolitres annually are not yet profitable. A major barrier to profitability is the level of provincial and federal markups and taxes that small brewers face, and today's announcement helps address this challenge.

We applaud the Federal Government's action and recognize that there is still more work to be done to modernize the excise tax framework to support larger independent craft brewers that produce more than 15,000 hectolitres annually. Collectively, these measures help support Canada's world class brewers, protect Canadian jobs and ensure Canadians and tourists alike can enjoy the best Canada has to offer. We thank the Federal Government for this announcement and look forward to continued collaboration to strengthen and grow the Canadian craft beer sector.

About the CCBA
The CCBA-AMBC exists to promote and protect the interests of nearly 1,200 small and independent Canadian craft breweries, brewpubs, and their supplier partners. We are constituted as a federation of provincial craft brewers associations. Our brewery members are from every province and territory in Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Craft Brewers Association

Media Contacts: Christine Comeau | Executive Director, Canadian Craft Brewers Association, Email: [email protected], Phone: [phone]