Distilled spirits make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy. Legal sales of spirits products generate revenues of more than $2.5 billion to federal and provincial governments each year. This is in addition to the economic benefits from production, warehousing, distribution and marketing of spirits.

In 1997 consumer expenditure on distilled spirits products exceeded $3 billion

The federal government collected $680 million
includes excise duty, import duty and Goods and Services Tax

Provincial governments collected more than $1.8 billion
includes mark-ups, miscellaneous levies and retail sales taxes

Canadian distillers export in excess of $500 million of distilled spirits products, primarily Canadian Whisky, each year.

Across the country, the distilled spirits industry provides employment for thousands of Canadians. according to The Conference Board of Canada total employment is in excess of 15,000.

The Economic Impact and Taxation Burden from The Distilled Spirits Industry
1996 Report by the Conference Board of Canada

Copyright © 1999 Association of Canadian Distillers