“Let’s leave no empty shelves in the LCBO, and let’s take this opportunity to showcase Niagara and Ontario,” – Wayne Gates
“We produce more than we consume. If Ontario doesn’t have a plan to get our products to new markets, we’re leaving workers, wineries, and local businesses behind.” – Wayne Gates
News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP Wayne Gates, with a riding including Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie
Posted March 5th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
NIAGARA FALLS – MPP-Elect Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) is urging the Ontario government to go beyond retaliatory measures in response to the unfair U.S. tariffs.
While American products are being pulled from LCBO shelves, Gates is continuing his call for immediate action to restock them with Ontario-made wines, craft beer, ciders and spirits–ensuring local producers can get more Ontario-made products to market today.
“We need to fight back against these tariffs and have a real plan to support Canadian products,” said Gates. “We produce more than we consume. If Ontario doesn’t have a plan to get our products to new markets, we’re leaving workers, wineries, and local businesses behind,” said Gates.
Ontario wineries have long been fighting an uphill battle for fair shelf space, with imported wines often getting better treatment. With American brands being pulled, the province has a golden opportunity promote our local wines and spirits.
Trump’s tariff war is an opportunity to boost Ontario wineries – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
“This is an opportunity to boost our local wine industry that is one of the best in the world while, protecting jobs across Niagara,” Gates said.
“People want to buy local—it supports workers, strengthens small businesses, and pushes back against unfair trade policies. But we also need to ensure Ontario wineries and craft beverage producers have access to markets beyond our borders. Right now, there’s no strategy, no plan. That needs to change.”
Gates has long been a champion for Ontario winemakers. In 2023, he successfully fought to eliminate the unfair 6.1% tax on winery retail stores, a move he had been pushing since 2018. Now, he’s calling on the Ford government to step up and work with industry leaders to expand market access for Ontario-made products.
“Our province needs a real plan to support local industries and get Ontario’s world-class products into new markets,” said Gates. “I’ll keep fighting for workers, for families, and fight to make sure we buy local and buy Canadian,” added Gates.
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