OTTAWA, ON – CBC News reports that a Federal Member of Parliament in the opposition NDP has tabled a private member’s bill that would offer tax breaks to craft breweries in Canada.
Under the changes being proposed by Brian Masse, MP for Windsor West and the NDP’s small business critic, breweries that produce up to 5,000 hectolitres a year would receive an automatic tax credit, while those that produce between 5,001 and 15,000 would get a formula-based credit.
“With a focus on unique flavour and brewing techniques, Canadians are falling in love with their local microbreweries,” explained Masse in a statement announcing the bill. “I’m incredibly proud that the NDP are supporting this growing market and our local brewery.”
While the move would likely be welcomed by small breweries across the country, non-Cabinet ministers are given few chances to raise issues for debate in the House. So with less than 11 weeks left in the current session of Parliament before summer break, and an election due to take place later this year, it is unlikely that the bill will become law or even reach the debate stage, at least under the current Government.