The Empire Club of Canada
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The Empire Club of Canada Presents:
Jan H. Westcott, President and CEO, Spirits Canada/Association of Canadian Distillers With Canada’s World Class Spirits Industry on the International Stage
This year a Canadian Whisky, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, was honoured as 2016 World Whisky of the Year. Canadian Whisky once dominated the world of whiskies. Canadian based Seagram’s was the largest distiller in North America, and at one time Gooderham and Worts contributed more to federal coffers than any other enterprise in the country. Canada has shown we can still produce great whiskies. What does it take to nurture a world class industry? Join us to hear Jan Westcott, President and CEO of Spirits Canada and enjoy a taste of the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, included in your luncheon ticket. Mr. Westcott has represented the Canadian distilling industry since 1998 and was a key player during three major milestones for Canada’s beverage alcohol business. As President of the Canadian Wine Institute, he was part of key negotiations with the US and Europe which set the stage for greater access to imported wines. He also represented the industry during the Canada US Free Trade Agreement, helping to lay the ground work for the enormous success currently enjoyed by the Canadian wine industry. During a US dispute before the WTO over Canada’s protectionist practices, as CEO of the Brewers of Ontario, he participated in negotiations that led to significant changes to the availability of imported beers. He knows the business! His talk will address the importance of the spirits industry to Canada’s economy jobs and wealth creation and its integral role in Canadian agriculture. Canadian Whisky dominated the world stage long before Scotland had even coined the term Single Malt. Other countries have shown what investment in their beverage industries can achieve. Come out to experience a Canadian winner and learn what it will take to propel our own home grown industry to its former glory.
Speaker:
Jan H. Westcott, President and CEO, Spirits Canada/Association of Canadian Distillers
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