Secretary of State van Koeverden announces major support through Budget 2026 to strengthen Canada’s wine sector
Through Budget 2026, the Government of Canada is supporting local wineries and independent grape growers as they adapt to economic and climate challenges. These investments will help protect and secure good jobs, boost agritourism across the country and build a stronger, more competitive Canadian wine industry.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Nov. 13, 2026 /CNW/ — In a world reshaped by shifting global supply chains, geopolitical competition, protectionism and rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence, Canada approaches this moment from a position of real strength.
Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), met with representatives of the Jackson-Triggs Winery and local grape growers and winemakers in Niagara-on-the-Lake alongside Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament (St. Catharines), to announce key investments from Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny.
As part of an ambitious plan to drive economic growth, boost productivity, diversify trade and secure Canada’s economic future, Budget 2026 proposes $176.9 million over three years, starting in 2027–2028, for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to renew the Wine Sector Support Program.
This program provides direct support for Canadian wine production, helping licensed Canadian wineries manage rising input costs, stabilize operations, keep buying local grapes from independent farmers and compete globally.
Quotes
“In a changing global economic environment, it is more important than ever to invest in industries that create jobs right here in Canada. The wine industry is a driver of growth for our regions, our businesses and our tourism sector. Budget 2026 investments will help Canadian grape growers and wineries remain competitive, seize new opportunities and keep contributing to a strong and resilient Canadian economy.”
— The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
“The Canadian wine industry plays an important role in supporting jobs, businesses and local economies across the country. By extending support to the Wine Sector Support Program through Budget 2026, the government is helping strengthen this sector’s resilience and competitiveness so that Canadian wineries can continue to grow and prosper.”
–The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“The wine industry is integral to Niagara’s economy. The renewal of the Wine Sector Support Program is welcome news for our region, providing important support to local wineries, strengthening our tourism industry, and helping protect jobs and businesses across Niagara.”
— Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament (St. Catharines)
“Renewing the Wine Sector Support Program gives Canada’s wine industry the confidence to invest in its future. Here in Niagara, that means supporting our grape growers, strengthening local wine production and sustaining the communities and jobs that depend on our sector. This program gives us an opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive Canadian wine industry and bring more Canadian wine to consumers here at home and around the world.”
— Del Rollo, Chair, Wine Growers Canada, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Arterra Wines Canada
Quick Facts
Budget 2026 proposes $176.9 million over three years, starting in 2027-2028, for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to renew the Wine Sector Support Program. This investment will help Canadian wineries adapt to ongoing economic and climate challenges, protect good rural jobs and strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s domestic wine industry.
This additional funding builds on the $343 million the Government has previously invested to help the industry adapt to challenges and remain competitive. A total of $520.1 million has been committed across eight years of the Wine Sector Support Program. The federal government is cementing its partnership with Canadian wine growers as they scale up domestic market share and drive a $10.1 billion economic engine.
Associated Links
Government of Canada releases Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny
Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny
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SOURCE Canadian Heritage
