Take Off the Beer Tax Hike, Bob and Doug McKenzie Tell Ottawa

Toronto – January 16th, 2024– Bob and Doug McKenzie are returning to the Canadian air waves to help stop the federal government’s upcoming nearly 5% increase on Canada’s federal beer tax.

“Come on, Ottawa, it’s two thousand and two-four”, a once in a hundred-year event, said Bob McKenzie, one half of the legendary Canadian duo. “Freeze the beer tax! Let’s save our Beer Year, eh!” added his brother Doug.

An entirely new series of 30-second Bob and Doug radio commercials begins airing tomorrow on stations across the country.  

Canadians are invited to visit Hereforbeer.ca – each Wednesday until Feb. 14 to hear a new McKenzie brothers’ message. Additional Bob & Doug web-exclusive content is available there now.

Beer Canada is thrilled that Bob and Doug have returned to help keep beer affordable for Canadians. Federal and provincial government taxes in Canada already typically make up almost half the cost of beer. In fact, Canada already has the highest beer taxes of all the G7 countries.  

The new ads encourage listeners to help stop the tax hike by visiting Hereforbeer.ca and using the site’s tools to easily send a message to their Member of Parliament demanding a freeze on beer taxes.

After a decades long-hiatus, Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas brought back their beloved Bob and Doug characters a year ago to support Canadian beer consumers when they urged the government to “take off” its planned 6.3% increase in the beer tax. That increase was subsequently reduced to 2%, thanks to their pleas. 

“Few of us have been “Here for Beer” longer than Bob and Doug McKenzie,” said CJ Hélie, President of Beer Canada. “It’s really great that Rick and Dave agreed to reprise their iconic Bob & Doug McKenzie characters in support of the very serious issue of supporting Canadian brewers and adult consumers and help stop Ottawa from taxing a pint of beer out of the reach of hard-working Canadians.” 

Bob and Doug McKenzie rank among Canada's foremost experts on beer, donuts, and toques. They first gained fame in the 1980s with a recurring TV show, a platinum-selling album, and a major motion picture.

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. 

Beer Canada promotes moderate and responsible consumption by those of the legal age and is the authoritative source for data & information on the Canadian beer industry. 

 FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES

Karine Cousineau

Vice President, Strategic Communications

Beer Canada

kcousineau@beercanada.com