Spirits Canada Responds to Ontario Neonicotinoids Consultation

TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Ontario Spirits Industry and the millions of Ontario adult consumers who responsibly enjoy our products, Spirits Canada welcomes the announcement of provincial government consultations to ensure the appropriate and continued safe use of neonicotinoids by Ontario farmers.

Spirits Canada is the national trade organization representing Canadian and Ontario spirits manufacturers and marketers. Member companies operate primary manufacturing plants in Windsor, Amherstburg, Collingwood, Brampton and Grimsby, generating economic activities that annually contribute a billion dollars to Ontario's gross provincial product and which, last year, accounted for over $350 million in high-value–added international exports from Ontario.

In reacting to the Ontario government's announcement, Spirits Canada President, Jan Westcott, said, "As longstanding, primary beverage manufacturers who rely on top quality Ontario grains to craft our Canadian whisky and other spirits brands, it is critical that Ontario continues to safeguard the production of premium cereals that underpin production of exceptional Canadian whiskies and other spirits."

He went on to note that, "Spirits producers believe it is critical that government policies and practices be evidence-based, rigorously follow the best available science and urge that this be the basis on which decisions are taken."

SOURCE: Spirits Canada

Mr. Jan H. Westcott, President & CEO, Spirits Canada, 416 707 8851