Latest news with #Ontario-made
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Balzac's Coffee Launches Canada's Cup Iced Maple Latte: A Patriotic Pour with Purpose
Limited-time offering celebrates Canada and the bounty of our resource-rich provinces TORONTO, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - Just in time for summer, Balzac's Coffee, a proudly 100% Canadian specialty coffee company, is launching a bold, limited-edition drink: the Canada's Cup Iced Maple Latte. This 16oz iced latte is made with Balzac's signature Fair Trade, organic espresso (roasted in Ontario), blended with water from the superior side of Lake Superior. It's topped with Canadian whipped cream, drizzled with Ontario maple syrup, and finished with a sprinkle of Vancouver Island sea salt — a refreshing tribute to Canadian flavours from coast to coast. The drink is served in a custom-engraved, Ontario-made recycled aluminum keepsake cup, complete with a Canadian-made softwood stir stick. Designed to keep its cool and built to last, it's a defiantly delicious drink made to be enjoyed with your elbows up. Balzac's Coffee is owned by District Ventures Capital, the venture capital fund of renowned Canadian investor and TV personality Arlene Dickinson. "Balzac's captures the best of Canada — connection, creativity, sustainability, and exceptional taste," says Dickinson. "Inspired by our love for all things maple and the growing need to buy homegrown goods, the Canada's Cup Iced Maple Latte captures the essence of our home and native land in every sip. It's our way of celebrating the Canadian summer — with sustainability and style in hand." Available starting June 9 in Balzac's cafés across Ontario, Canadians are invited to raise a cup to homegrown flavour with a drink that's as Canadian as coffee gets. About Balzac's Coffee Roasters Founded in 1993, Balzac's has built a strong legacy roasting specialty coffee for Canadians to enjoy across the country. Inspired by Honoré de Balzac's quote, "The café is the people's parliament," the 100% Canadian-owned and operated company is committed to sustainably sourced coffee and is available online, in retail stores nationwide, or at any of its 16 cafés across Ontario. To learn more, please visit
Global News
30-04-2025
- Business
- Global News
Made in Ontario or just packaged here? Ontario NDP push for clearer grocery store labels
The Ontario NDP is set to test the Ford government's promise to work together on the issue of U.S. tariffs with a motion designed to make it easier for customers to work out if products have been made locally or simply repackaged after crossing the border. The party will use an opposition day motion on Wednesday to ask the province to support its labelling plan — a move it hopes will ensure Made in Ontario and Made in Canada labels are being used to help shop local during the trade war and not to drive grocery store profits. 'It's simple, we will require grocery giants like Loblaws and Sobeys to clearly label when a product is made in Ontario or imported from the U.S. — so you can choose Ontario and strengthen Ontario,' Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said. The motion would also tell grocery stores they must clearly label to people when prices have increased substantially. Story continues below advertisement Ontario Premier Doug Ford had suggested he was open to the idea of working with opposition parties in the face of tariff threats from the United States. As the legislative session has got underway, however, he has turned down the idea of a cross-party working group on tariffs, and there have been few concrete examples of tariff decisions where the NDP, Liberals or Greens have been given serious input. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Government House Leader Steve Clark said that Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford would 'be responding for the government' to the NDP's motion on Wednesday, but would not say whether the government would support it. The premier's office also did not directly respond to questions from Global News over whether or not the NDP motion would receive government support. 'Our government is making it easier for consumers to support local workers and businesses by tearing down interprovincial trade barriers,' a spokesperson for the premier said, referencing plans in proposed legislation to establish a day where Ontario products are promoted. They said they 'continue to strongly encourage' grocery stores to put clear labels on their products and are 'exploring changes' to make sure it is clear which products are made in Ontario. Stiles urged Ford to back her party's motion. 'Donald Trump's reckless tariffs and senseless threats to our sovereignty are no joke, and people across our country are taking a second look at how they can use their hard-earned money to support Canadian businesses,' she said. Story continues below advertisement 'We are giving Premier Ford the opportunity to say yes to helping people Choose Ontario-made products. Lets help families make informed choices, keep more money in their pocket, and fight back against Trump's tariffs.' Opposition day motions are generally more symbolic than effective, as they require government support to pass and be acted on.
CBC
12-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
As interest in Ontario wines grows, these restaurants are taking notice: Jasmine Mangalaseril
With more people making an effort to get Canadian products on our plates, it makes sense to also think about what's in our wine glasses. Meg Alford, owner of Guelph's Two Faces natural wine bar, said there's been an uptick in interest in Ontario-made wines since the U.S. government threatened and implemented tariffs against Canada. "It's like night and day," she said. "But after the tariffs were put in, I would say so many people are asking [about Ontario wines]." Ontario-made wines: Older than Canada In 1866, Canada's first commercial winery, Vin Villa, was established on Pelee Island, with a 12-hectare vineyard of North American Catawba grapes. Today, Ontario grows more than 7,000 hectares of grapes. The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) recognizes some traditional European grape varietals (Vitis vinifera), and some European-North American hybrids. And while they granted appellations (or a geographic designation) to Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County, some winemakers seek out non-VQA varietals, harvested elsewhere in the province. "I'm particularly interested in grapes that have genetics to this area. They also have built-in disease resistance and are able to flourish in our climate a lot better because their genetics are from here." said Drea Scotland of Drinks Farm, who has a young vineyard in Demorestville, Ontario. "I also think those wines are delicious." Virtual wineries Until Scotland's vines can be harvested, she follows the French négociant tradition. Her grapes are sourced from areas including Georgian Bay, northern Ontario, and eastern Ontario and she works in a shared wine-making facility. "You can do sustainable growing with vinifera in some places," said Scotland. "But, to me, the future of wine making in Ontario is leaning more in the hybrid direction. It would also open up the province to having way more wine regions." Wes Klassen, sommelier and co-owner of Kitchener's Odd Duck Wine and Provisions, focuses solely on offerings from virtual wineries. "There is no brick-and-mortar building. They are not available at the LCBO," said Klassen. "They [have a] tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny amount of production. It's this really cool co-operative community of growers that are making outstanding wines." It's a more affordable wine-making model that gives wine makers flexibility in sourcing grapes and creative freedom in blending and trying different techniques. Sourcing your next sip Klassen said it's important to find a wine or hospitality professional who can showcase wines for their strengths, versus comparing them to wines from other regions. "I think a lot of people want Ontario's version of a Cali Cab. They want us to be something that we're not," said Klassen. "I think we're kind of slapping ourselves in the face and doing a disservice to what we actually do here." In Guelph, Alford finds her guests pleasantly surprised to learn what they're sipping was made a few hours away. "I've had Drea's rosé on by the glass for a couple months now. Only recently were people asking, 'Where is this from?' And I'm like, 'Ontario. Right here.'" A person might be able to purchase a bottle at the bar's or restaurant's bottle shop. If not, many producers do direct-to-consumer sales or list bottle shops they work with. 5 Ontario wines our experts recommend 2022 Cabernet Franc, Maenad Wine Co. VQA Four Mile Creek "Very expressive, very textual wines that are still clean…a great option for somebody who wants something that's fuller body," said Wes Klassen. 2023 Flora, Rosewood Estates Winery and Meadery. VQA Niagara Peninsula "It's just really beautiful and everyone at the bar loves it. It's just a blend of grapes. Every year it tastes a little bit different, but just very classic and such a great price," said Meg Alford. 2023 Giosuè, Drinks Farm. Ontario "Varietals I've never heard about but then if I closed my eyes, I could swear this wine was a super classic Italian Rosato," said Meg Alford. 2023 Marsanne (with 13 per cent Viognier), Sempre Mio Wines. VQA Lincoln Lakeshore "Texture wise, it is just so beautiful. There's just so much going on. It's such a great food wine," said Wes Klassen. 2024 Supersonic, Trail Estate. Niagara "Everything's done in a low intervention style. Something that really is fun is her Supersonic, which is made from 100 per cent Concord grapes," said Wes Klassen.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
In the news today: Canada braces for steel, aluminum tariffs
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed... Market uncertainty continues as Canada awaits U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum Canada is steeling itself for more tariffs after U.S. President Donald Trump's tumultuous trade agenda caused U.S. stock markets to fall further on Monday. Trump has promised to lift exemptions on Wednesday and hit Canada with 25 per cent levies on steel and aluminum, bringing additional uncertainty to markets already being spun in circles by the president's inconsistent tariff threats. Trump launched a trade war against Canada and Mexico last week but paused parts of it days later in response to pleas from the automotive industry. Trump signed an executive order last Thursday delaying until April tariffs on goods that meet the rules-of-origin requirements under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on trade. What you need to know about U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum set for Wednesday Industries that rely on steel and aluminum goods are bracing for a fresh wave of tariffs set to kick in tomorrow. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to follow through on his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports of those products. Analysts and economists say tariffs will likely be felt profoundly by U.S. sectors that rely heavily on Canadian steel, like defence and auto manufacturing. The tariffs are separate from the widespread ones enacted last week on Canadian and Mexican goods, some of which have been delayed. The steel and aluminum tariffs would stack on top of the earlier ones. Here's what else we're watching... Ontario eyes more trade abroad in wake of tariffs Ontario is looking to focus on opening up new markets and attracting more overseas investment once the immediate economic threat of American tariffs passes. The province does about $500 billion in annual two-way trade with the United States. It's the largest trading partner for 17 U.S. states and the second-largest to 11 others — statistics Premier Doug Ford frequently rattled off in the early days of this trade battle. But now, with the United States imposing some tariffs and threatening others, Ford says the province needs to start focusing its procurements on Ontario-made or Canadian-made products. N.S. court to hear Chignecto Isthmus dispute A dispute over who should pay the cost of protecting the narrow low-lying strip of land that links Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is before the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal today. Over two days, a three-member panel will hear the case brought against the federal government by the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. In a legal filing in July 2023, the Nova Scotia government asked the court for an opinion on which level of government is responsible for covering the cost of protecting infrastructure on the Chignecto Isthmus from severe flooding. The provinces maintain that Ottawa should pay for the entire cost of upgrading the isthmus, currently estimated at $650 million. Liberal race highlights murky transparency rule A political transparency advocate is calling for Parliament to address what he calls a "loophole" in the rules for political fundraising. That comes after some of the Liberal leadership contenders didn't disclose fundraiser events through the public registry managed by Elections Canada. Only Mark Carney and Ruby Dhalla disclosed their fundraisers on the public list -- something candidates must do anytime a donor has to pay at least $200 to attend an event -- or else the candidates will be forced to pay it all back. Other candidates like Chrystia Freeland got around that because instead of putting a ticket price on the events, they just encouraged donations. COVID-19 declared global pandemic 5 years ago Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic of the novel coronavirus, setting off a series of policies that transformed Canadians' lives for years. The WHO's declaration followed months of warning signs about the dangers of COVID-19, including mass lockdowns in China and Italy, and served as a wake-up call for many Canadians. The virus has claimed tens of thousands of lives in Canada alone, many of them people in long-term care. The WHO lifted the global COVID-19 emergency in May 2023, noting the illness had been on a downward trend for more than a year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 11, 2025. The Canadian Press
CBC
28-01-2025
- Business
- CBC
Bars and restaurants gird themselves for looming booze battle
Bars and restaurants in Ottawa are gearing up for a cross-border booze battle. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said last week he'll ban the sale of American liquor and wine at LCBO stores if the U.S. follows through with President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat. "I have sent a direction to the LCBO, if these tariffs come, to clear off every bit of U.S. alcohol off the shelves," Ford said last week. "Let's start promoting more Ontario-made wines and the vodkas and spirits." Ford directs LCBO to clear out American products if Trump follows through on tariffs 8 days ago Duration 0:59 Speaking to media ahead of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he will have American alcohol pulled from LCBO shelves if Trump follows through with threats of tariffs on Canadian goods. The threat sent Jeremy Gaulin racing to stock up. He's the beverage director for Mati Inc., owner of several restaurants on Preston Street. "I kind of freaked out when I found out, dropped what I was doing, ran to an LCBO and cleared off the shelves just in case," Gaulin told CBC's Ottawa Morning. "We don't know how long this battle will last, so we decided to be prepared." Gaulin said customers want American wine and liquor, particularly bourbon — and that's good for his own bottom line. "Bourbon and U.S. spirits have kind of a cult following. The profit margins on, especially Napa Valley wines, are very high," he explained. Nor is it a simple matter of replacing one for the other, he said. "Canadian whiskey is amazing, but when people think of an Old Fashioned, they think of bourbon. That's a very big seller for us." 'Everybody can get over it' Ivan Gedz had a different reaction to Ford's ultimatum. The owner of Union Local 613 on Somerset Street W. sees it as a potential opportunity to introduce patrons to something new. "I think it's an opportunity for people to grab it by its horns and shift and maybe try different things," said Gedz. "We're very monkey see, monkey do ... because our buddy is drinking bourbon, well then I need to drink bourbon." Gedz pointed out there are excellent whiskeys from other countries including Japan, and said he hasn't sipped a Californian Cabernet in 10 years. "There's a plethora of wines not only from Canada but from Europe that I would argue are vastly superior," he said. "I get why people like [U.S. wines] but ... everybody can get over it and drink something else." Customers want what they want While he agrees, Gaulin said customers want what they want, and he worries Ford's plan to fight tariffs could hurt his bottom line. "Unfortunately, when it comes to California wines, they hit on all the notes that a lot of people are looking for. Sometimes the customer doesn't want to be challenged. They like what's comfortable," he said. "At the end of the day, we want to keep the lights on and we want to keep our guests happy." American producers also don't want this fight to escalate, warning that "tit-for-tat" tariffs will cost American jobs. "We hope [Canada] will consider not responding in kind," said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Swonger argued distinctive American liquors such as bourbon aren't interchangeable with Canadian spirits. "They're not widgets," he said.
