Labatt Breweries to bring together political parties for brewing competition

OTTAWA — On Feb. 13, Labatt Breweries of Canada gathered MPs from across the country to participate in Brew Across Canada – an all-party national brewing competition in support of Equal Voice. Participants came together to brew up some unique beers representative of their respective region, and advocate for improving gender representation within Canadian politics.

Honourary brewmaster, MP James Maloney from Toronto took home the Honourary Brewer title with his ‘Lakeshore Lager’ beer during a tasting competition in Ottawa on February 12, and MP Andy Filmore and MP Darren Fisher from Halifax won the People’s Choice Award for their ‘Fleet Week Pilsner’ brew. Labatt donated $25,000 on behalf of the winning brew to Equal Voice – a non-partisan organization that advocates for the equal representation in politics.

“We are so thankful to the representatives who participated – for putting their political differences aside to come together in support of a cause that’s truly important for all parties,” said Chi Nguyen, Executive Director, Equal Voice. “Brew Across Canada continues to be a great opportunity to amplify Equal Voice’s mission and dedication to creating pathways for women and gender diverse people to run for elected office. We appreciate Labatt’s unwavering support and the commitment of the guest brewmasters.”

In total, seven beers were brewed at Labatt facilities across the country. Parliamentarians partnered with Labatt brewmasters to create a bespoke beer using regional ingredients, which were unveiled at the competition, then subsequently tasted and critiqued by a panel of judges.

Guests brewers included MPs Rob Morrison, Kootenay-Columbia, Matt Jeneroux, Edmonton Riverbend, Lindsay Mathyssen, London-Fanshawe, Peter Fragiskatos, London North Centre, Arielle Kayabaga, London West, Karen Vecchio, Elgin-Middlesex-London, James Maloney, Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Steven Mackinnon, Gatineau, Sophie Chatel, Pontiac, Stéphane Lauzon, Argenteuil- La Petite-Nation, Honourable Greg Fergus, Hull-Aylmer, Andy Fillmore, Halifax, and Darren Fisher, Dartmouth- Cole Harbour.

“Since Labatt Breweries of Canada was founded, we have been bringing Canadians together through a shared love of beer, and our consistent support of Canadian communities,” said Jeff Ryan, Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Labatt Breweries of Canada. “What’s so special about Brew Across Canada is we’re able to celebrate what’s truly great about our country while collectively doing what’s needed to help ensure a brighter future for all Canadians. Through our partnership with Equal Voice, we will continue to shine a spotlight on the importance of having more women and gender diverse candidates at all levels of government.”