Ottawa raised a glass to $176.9 million in wine funding Friday in Niagara-on-the-Lake. But the celebration raised another question: where’s the relief for Niagara’s flood victims?
Federal officials, grape growers and winery representatives gathered at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate on Nov. 13 to celebrate the renewal of the Wine Sector Support Program, which helps Canadian wineries cover costs and support grape growers.
But when The Lake Report raised the lack of disaster relief for Niagara residents and businesses affected by this summer’s flooding during a question period, St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle pointed to Queen’s Park.
“It was disappointing to see the province of Ontario not step up.”
Bittle said Ontario must request federal disaster assistance under the existing agreements, leaving questions about the lack of relief to the premier.
“That’s a question more for Doug Ford.”
Credit: PAIGE SEBURN
Guests raise a glass of Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin wine at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate on Nov. 13, toasting Ottawa’s $176.9-million commitment to Canada’s wine industry.He said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe met with federal officials about speeding up infrastructure requests following the flooding.
“I haven’t had those same requests from other municipalities,” Bittle added. “But, I know the federal infrastructure minister is expediting infrastructure requests to ensure that we can do better the next time.”
Asked why Ottawa couldn’t provide flood relief directly, as it does for the wine industry, rather than leaving assistance up to the province, Bittle said the two funding programs were separate.
He argued the wine industry would return almost the entire investment, while the support would help wineries grow and create jobs.
“The industry is going to pay that money directly back, pretty much in its entirety, with respect to excise taxes that they’re going to be paying,” Bittle said.
The federal budget proposes $176.9 million over three years to renew the wine industry support program, starting in the 2027-28 fiscal year.
Del Rollo, vice-president of corporate affairs at Arterra Wines Canada, which owns Jackson-Triggs, expects Niagara to receive a substantial share of the renewed funding, though he could not provide an exact amount because this year’s grape harvest was still underway.
Under the existing program, funding is based on how much eligible wine they produce. The wine must be fermented in Canada, but the grapes can come from Canada or abroad. Wineries don’t have to repay the money.
To qualify, wineries must hold a federal wine licence and have at least $50,000 in annual sales of wine packaged in Canada.
Rollo said the funding helps wineries manage rising costs, severe weather and uncertainty surrounding international trade.
“This renewed investment provides much-needed stability and confidence, helping wineries invest in their operations, purchase more Canadian-grown grapes, support jobs and plan for future growth.”
