Toronto, April 1,2025 – Federal beer excise taxes are increasing today. This year’s annual increase is going ahead even though Canada is in the midst of a general election and another round of U.S. unjustified tariffs on Canadian goods is scheduled to be imposed by the Trump administration tomorrow.
Annual automatic inflation-based increases to federal beer taxes were introduced under Prime Minister Trudeau and have increased by more than 18% since 2017, all without a vote by elected members of Parliament.
At nearly 46% of the retail price, Canada has the highest beer taxes amongst G7 countries.
“We are calling on the leaders of all political parties seeking our vote in the April 28th election to commit to eliminating the escalator tax on beer and to roll back these most recent increases” said CJ Hélie, President of Beer Canada. “These automatic tax hikes not only fuel inflation, they inflict harm on brewers, consumers and the entire hospitality sector," he added.
Canada’s brewing industry supports 149,000 jobs and contributes significantly to local communities, large and small, urban and rural across the country.
Canadians simply can’t afford another round of beer tax increases while the country is exposed to ongoing tariff threats and economic uncertainty.
ABOUT BEER CANADA:
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.
