Brian Torgunrud made a statement and, with Matthew Boldt, answered questions.

At 9:20 a.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 9:24 a.m., the meeting resumed.

Sue Hutchinson, Clarke Cross and Matt Fabian made statements and, with Rebecca Oakes, answered questions.

Jasraj Hallan moved, — That, given that:

(a) taxes on beer, wine and liquor will automatically increase on Wednesday, April 1, 2026;

(b) since the Liberal government implemented the automatic alcohol tax hike in 2017, excise rates have automatically increased by more than 18% costing Canadians nearly $1 billion, making taxes nearly half the price of what consumers pay for a drink;

(c) Canadians and businesses cannot afford another tax increase; and

(d) a coalition of unions representing Canadian brewery workers is calling for the government to cancel the upcoming automatic alcohol tax hike;

the committee report to the House that it calls on the government to cancel its Wednesday, April 1, 2026, tax increase on beer, wine, and liquor.

Debate arose thereon.

At 10:16 a.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 10:17 a.m., the meeting resumed.

The debate continued.

Ryan Turnbull moved, — That the committee do now adjourn.

The question was put on the motion and the result of the vote was announced:

YEAS: Carlos Leitão, Kent MacDonald, Jake Sawatzky, Ryan Turnbull — 4;

NAYS: Sandra Cobena, Jasraj Hallan, Pat Kelly, William Stevenson — 4.

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the affirmative.

Accordingly, the motion was agreed to.