Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb is disappointed that his private member's bill to reduce excise tax on distilleries was defeated in the House of Commons.
Lobb says reducing the rate of Excise Tax for Canadian distillers, regardless of size, could have had an enormous economic impact.
He explains small and medium producers, growers, and the tourism industry would have benefited.
The spirits industry contributes $5.8-billion annually to Canada's GDP, and Lobb says they are Ontario's fourth largest corn buyer, using up to 320,000 metric tons a year.
The industry employs about 8,500 Canadians.
He says Ontario's craft wine, cider, and breweries industries are testament to how a cut in taxes could create a booming spirits sector.
