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PRESS STATEMENT - CANADIAN VINTNERS ASSOCIATION CANADA AND EUROPEAN COMMISSION SIGN AGREEMENT
ON TRADE IN WINE AND SPIRITS September 16, 2003 The Canadian Vintners Association is pleased to note the signing
of the Canada-Europe Wine and Spirits Agreement today at Inniskillin Estate Wineries
in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Several years of negotiations have culminated in this
agreement which should serve both Canadian and European wine interests well. "This accord will result in a welcome balance of benefits for
Canadian and European wine producers; Canada's domestic wine distribution system
will be preserved, and Canadian wine will enjoy access to the European market,
while the Europeans will see Canada phase out a range of generic wine names including
champagne, port and sherry, over time and European suppliers to Canada may be
assured of a fair and transparent liquor distribution system", stated Bruce Walker,
Chairman of the Canadian Vintners Association. "This agreement should bring a desired and necessary stability
for Canada's young, estate wine sector, both in Canada and in European markets,
while preserving Europe's continued success in Canada's market. The agreement
should also benefit Canada's wine consumers through ensuring an enhanced
availability of a broad range of quality wines from both Canada and Europe",
commented Bill Ross, President of the Canadian Vintners Association. Paul Speck, Chair of the Wine Council of Ontario, and David Bond,
Chair of the British Columbia Wine Institute, both observed that their respective
wine regions would benefit from the agreement, particularly through the acceptance
of their wine distribution systems, and the assured access to the European market
for Canadian wines, including Icewine. The negotiating process that culminated in this agreement has
been a long and complicated one and the Canadian Vintners Association would like
to applaud and thank the federal Minister of Trade, Mr. Pierre Pettigrew,
federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Mr. Lyle Vanclief, and their staffs,
particularly the Canadian negotiators. The association also expresses its
appreciation to provincial governments and liquor jurisdictions who participated
so effectively, throughout the negotiations. For further information please contact:
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