News Release – Jones: Please the Government is Helping and Acknowledging the Growing Craft Cider Industry

(Queen’s Park) – Today, Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon shared her thoughts on the Ontario government’s recently announced Ontario Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program.

“I am proud to be advocate for this important and growing industry in Ontario. Through my private membership bill, Bill 53: Growing Ontario’s Craft Cider Act, 2016, I advocated for the tax or markup imposed on craft cidery to be the same as the tax or markup on craft beer,” said Jones.

“The government’s plan does not adopt Bill 53, but rather provides a per litre support program. I still believe that Bill 53 is the best route to help build Ontario’s Craft Cider Industry, but I am glad the government is doing something to encourage the industry,” said Jones.

“The craft cider industry is an exciting and growing industry in the Province of Ontario which provides jobs in both production and agriculture. From 2009 to 2014 sales of craft cider grew 284% at the LCBO. I hope that this program will help encourage more investment and good jobs across the province,” said Jones