Prices in Canada continue to go up under Mark Carney’s government, and many of them are automatic, meaning that Parliament does not approve them (cost of postage, alcohol, passports etc.) Does this increasing reliance on ‘escalator’ taxes concern you? Let me know here!

The Escalator Tax on Wine and Spirits is Back

April 2, 2026

Canadians are welcoming April with ANOTHER tax hike.

At a time when Canadians are already struggling with the cost of living, Mark Carney and his Liberal Government have chosen to continue with the Automatic Annual April 1st increase tax on Spirits and Wines, without a parliamentary vote. 

Adjusted rates of excise duty on April 1st, 2026, include:

These increases, which are tied to the Consumer Price Index, will have widespread effects: higher prices for workers, consumers, and more costs for our local brewers, wineries and distillers – further shrinking Canada’s hospitality industry.

With an estimated cost to taxpayers of $1.6 billion, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation states that“it’s bad timing to be increasing the alcohol tax with consumers already under pressure from inflation and the high cost-of-living.” Key stakeholders are speaking out against this tax. Raising dire warnings of layoffs, effects on production, delays, and pushing away customers away from an already hurting market.

If you are frustrated with this Liberal government  continuously taking from Canadians, sign this petition put forward by Conservatives to scrap this automatic tax hike: Kill the hidden tax hike on beer, wine, and spirits – Conservative Party of Canada