Wine Kitz Atlantic

As of Oct 17th, 2009, Prince Edward Island has legally and formally approved in-store winery services to Island wine consumers. To review the provincial government’s press release, visit: www.peilcc.ca

PEI is the fourth province to offer this type of license, joining Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. It is expected that New Brunswick will be implementing a formal licensing format in support of the already existing in-store winery industry later this year.

Owners of PEI consumer-made wine stores are now on a level playing field with their counterparts in News Brunswick. Store owners will have the opportunity to allow wine consumers to rent equipment, space and expertise and make their choice of wines in-store.

Kudos to the PEI government. They should be commended for exemplifying long-term vision and fulfilling their desire to support small business. There are no losers in the government’s decision to permit in-store winery services in PEI. Store owners will now hire more employees, rent more space, collect and pay more taxes. More consumers will be introduced to winemaking and the joys and health benefits of drinking wine responsibly. Local and regional wineries and licensed establishments will also reap long term benefits from a more knowledgeable and expanded wine consumer base.

As a Nova Scotian self-employed in the same consumer-made wine industry, I can’t help but wonder why I and others in our industry feel that every day is April Fool’s Day in Nova Scotia?

For many years, we as a regional association have lobbied the NS government to endorse the introduction of in-store winery service in Nova Scotia. To date we have been given far too many lame and near-sighted excuses to list as to why this has not happened.

Nova Scotian consumers are no different than PEI or NB consumers. There are no real or obvious reasons why Nova Scotia consumers are not afforded the same general services as those offered in other Atlantic provinces. We all recall when Sunday shopping was a no-no in NS. Fire & brimstone were not the order of the day once the NS government was forced into opening its mind, eyes and liquor store doors to Sunday shopping.

When dealing with government officials we are not asking to offer a service not available in other neighbouring provinces. Nor are we asking for tax payer’s money in the form of government hand-outs. Not unlike our neighbouring provinces, we would create employment, we would collect fees and taxes and pay our way in the business community. We in the industry are well aware that Nova Scotians want and would use in-store winery service if it were permitted.

So what are the real reasons why in-store winery services are yet to be permitted in NS? I could venture a guess or two and not be too far off the mark, but rather than guess as to why this has not yet happened, I would rather share an observation.

It’s become apparent that resisting change and remaining status quohas become commonplace with numerous consecutive NS governments.

There are many examples of this but none better than our antiquated liquor laws. These laws are a product of the post-Prohibition era. They were written in bygone days to combat bootleggers and rumrunners. Despite the passage of time there is very little political will to make changes in the name of modernization and improvement. In which other province has a person been charged and found guilty for illegal sales of alcohol without a license for selling a wine making kit whose contents are non-alcohol based? In which other province is it required for retailers to obtain an operating license to sell a non-alcohol based wine or beer kit? A product many retailers, big & small, have been selling for many, many years without the need of a permit? This does not border on the absurd. It is absurd!! Yet the NS government considers it the order of the day!

Without political will for change, Nova Scotia will remain a have-not province for many years to come. Businesses and investors will continue to be enticed and gravitate to more business friendly provinces. This has been a known and recognized trend in various business circles for numerous years.

As a long-term investor in the consumer-made wine industry, I have eight franchise businesses in the Atlantic region. Six of these well-established and successful franchise businesses are located in New Brunswick. Two others are in Nova Scotia. Two new outlets will be open for business in PEI next year. For numerous reasons, including pride in ownership and convenience, I would very much like to expand my investments in my home province. Regrettably, it simply does not make any business sense to do so. Unlike the people of the gentle island who are now LOL, we in Nova Scotia remain SOL.

Cheers and good luck to all Islanders impacted by this decision!

Blair Sampson
Wine Kitz Atlantic

What are Limited Release Kits?

Several times a year, kit manufacturers will produce Limited Release kits. Traditionally, these kits were available in-store to consumers in late fall or early winter months. Now with accessibility to raw material from the southern hemisphere, a.k.a. New World vineyards and wineries, where the harvest season runs at opposite times from northern hemisphere countries, access to high-end product to formulate these kits is nearly year-round.

Limited Release kits are not part of a store’s regular inventory. As mentioned above, they are made from special juices or concentrates from world-renowned wine regions that are only available on a limited basis or at certain times of the year. Limited releases are most often unique varietal wines that manufacturers have obtained through long-term close relationships with premier wineries.

If an exceptional product is sourced, a Limited Release kit may be issued every year at a certain time. On other occasions kit manufacturers will develop a new wine kit and issue it as a Limited Release to test consumer interest in the product. If consumer interest and demand is high enough, this product may be added to the retailer’s regular inventory.

Limited Release kits are regarded as the best of the best in the wine kit world. In most cases, these products are available in a large 18L format and include classy theme-style bottle labels. Some manufacturers also offer these wines in a smaller format for the more budget-minded winemaker. Both formats make 23L.

Most wine kit retailers offer Limited Release products on a pre-sign up basis only. Once consumer orders have been filled and products have been picked up, they may never be available again.

If you have never made or tasted a finished and aged Limited Release kit, I suggest you treat yourself by contacting your local winemaking store and sign up for a kit of your choice. You will not be disappointed!

Due to the nature of summertime and all the outdoor activities and travel opportunities it brings with it, I have not updated this blog for several months.

Now, as most of us return to our every day routines of regular work, school, etc., it’s time to make everyone aware of what matters and is important to us as stakeholders in the consumer-made wine world.

Most of my recent articles have focused on the trials & tribulations of Ross Harrington and his efforts to introduce in-store winery services to Nova Scotia. Since there was no closure on this issue at the time of my last article, I will bring you up to date on this seemingly never-ending topic. Hopefully it will be the last (but probably not).

If you have read my June article, you are aware that Ross Harrington was charged and found guilty of “Selling alcohol without a license.” As previously noted, the judge clearly indicated that her decision was not based on the in-store winery services provided by Mr. Harrington, but solely on the definition of alcohol contained in the Nova Scotia Liquor Act. In her opinion, this broad definition of alcohol deems a wine kit as alcohol.

Since that time, numerous Nova Scotia consumer-made wine retailers have written our provincial government requesting this definition of alcohol be changed to exclude wine & beer kits and prevent every Nova Scotia retailer from breaking the law each time they sell a wine or beer kit. In what seems to be its haste to make things right, the NS government, without first consulting with NS industry stakeholders, directed the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to issue a permit to retailers who sell wine & beer kits.

Needless to say this band-aid decision does not sit well with any NS retailers I do business with. Current feedback is that most NS retailers will not be applying for this permit. There are many reasons for this stand. First and foremost we are being asked to apply for a non-legislated liquor permit to sell a product which is not liquor. Furthermore, we simply do not want the NSLC delving into our business. This year’s permit fee is a nominal $15. What will it be next year? What will be the criteria for permit renewal in future years? Now that wine & beer kits are considered alcohol, will they be taxed accordingly? Will wine & beer kits soon be available on NSLC store shelves? This permit raises numerous other issues but these are our main concerns.

Our objective remains two-fold. First, convince our provincial government to change the definition of alcohol under the Nova Scotia Liquor Act. Second, introduce in-store winery services to Nova Scotia, hence, employ fellow Nova Scotians, collect taxes and provide Nova Scotia wine consumers with the same services available in many other Canadian provinces.

One fellow retailer has already taken steps in this direction.

On August 19th, Ross Harrington was sentenced to a $301 fine for the above mentioned charge. It took two-and-a-half-years, police resources, lawyers, judges, court time and far, far too much money spent by far too many people including NS taxpayers to reach this point. I guess these are the types of things that can happen when non-elected bureaucrats go on power trips.

Until next time,

~ Blair

Many who have followed this blog over the past year or two may be aware that Tuesday, June 16th was the date set for the judge to render her decision on charges laid against Ross Harrington.

In quick review, Ross Harrington is owner/operator of Wine Kitz, a home winemaking store located in Halifax NS. In 2007, Mr. Harrington attempted to offer the same in-store winery services available to consumers in many other Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island.

Charges laid against Mr. Harrington were: selling alcohol without a license, and keeping/storage of alcohol without a license.

On the charges of keeping/storage of alcohol without a license, Mr. Harrington was found not guilty. In short, the judge deemed the license obtained from the Federal Excise Act for in-store winery services as valid. The crown had contested that this document was a registration and not a license.

On the charges of selling alcohol without a license Mr. Harrington was found guilty. The judge clearly indicated that her decision was not based on the in-store winery services provided by Mr. Harrington but solely on the definition of alcohol contained in Nova Scotia Liquor Act. In her opinion, this broad definition of alcohol considers a winemaking kit as alcohol!!

To review this soon-to-be famous definition of alcohol click on the link below. You will find the definition under Interpretation (k).

http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/statutes/liquorc.htm

The judge’s basis for a guilty decision has left many and most stakeholders in the consumer-made wine industry befuddled and bewildered.

What happens next? Will all Nova Scotian industry retailers, wholesalers and distributors be forced to cease and desist in selling wine kit products? Will more Nova Scotians join the ranks of the unemployed?

Maybe our newly elected government, the NDP, hold the answers to these many questions. Time will tell.

Sentencing for Mr. Harrington’s guilty charge is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th.

Cheers,

Blair

FRUIT WINES (MADE FROM KITS)

Back in the 1990′s, fruit-flavoured wines were introduced to the consumer-made wine industry. Since that time, these products have taken a life of their own. The availability and quality of fruit wines have converted many store-bought wine cooler drinkers to successful winemakers. In some markets fruit wines have become the most popular product on the shelf!

Many of these branded kits are referred to as “Mist” kits. Many winemakers will recognize the most popular brands: Country Mist, Island Mist & Orchard Brezzin. Fruit flavours range from Apple to Wildberry and many other fruits in between. The wine base used for these many flavours ranges from Chardonnay to Zinfandel. My research has determined that there are simply too many available flavours to list.

These fruit wine products are very versatile and can easily be tweaked to suit personal tastes. Adding 1/2 of the fruit flavour packet at the initial stage of the winemaking process reduces the sweetness level by approximately half. Adding Tonic Water or Club Soda at serving time makes for an enjoyable spritzer style beverage (this also reduces alcohol content).

Most of these fruit wine kits have 28 day recipes and make 23L. Since fruit wines do not require long aging periods, many winemakers use the very popular 7-Day Accelerator Pack. The 7-Day Accelerator Pack vastly reduces the processing time, does not hinder quality and allows for early consumption.

The better quality kits will cost an average of under $2.50 per bottle or .62 cents per glass. Alcohol varies from 5% for less expensive kits to 9% for better quality kits.

Fruit wines are a delicious alternative to everyday wines and wine coolers. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend you try one soon. Your family and friends will be impressed, and they’re perfect for Spring and Summer!

THE GOOD

On Wednesday, March 25th, New Brunswick stakeholders in the consumer-made wine industry were invited by the Health & Safety department of the provincial government to attend a fact-finding meeting in Fredericton.

The New Brunswick government is in the process of reviewing and overhauling their Liquor Act. This presents an opportunity for the inclusion of the in-store winery industry into the new legislation. Having the industry legislated is something we as stakeholders welcome with open arms. The advantages are many, the disadvantages are few.

The base objective of the meeting was to allow all stakeholders to have a say and be heard as to what should and should not be included into this new legislation.

At the end of our 2-hour meeting we all seemed to come away with a positive feeling that the government will act in the industry’s best interest. In general terms it was agreed that unlike other provinces, there would be no levy, tax or literage fee applied to finished product. It was also acknowledged that there would be a minimal licensing fee to store owners, that there would be no stipulations or prohibitive guidelines put on advertising or store configuration. Legislation had yet to be drafted but it seems it will be “business as usual.” Hopefully, the process of legislating in-store wineries will be painless and seamless to both the end-user consumers as well as store owners.

Kudos to the executive board of the Atlantic Fomenters Association ( AFA) who pro-actively worked with government representatives prior to the March 25th meeting, making the entire process much easier for all parties involved.

We as a group and as an association look forward to having the New Brunswick in-store winery industry recognized as a legitimate and bona-fide industry. Along with improving the industry’s visibility in the community, this new recognition will strengthen the business model of the industry, attracting new investors with new and fresh ideas. Legislation should create a win-win for all stakeholders

THE BAD

As mentioned in my February blog, Ross Harrington, owner of the Wine Kitz Halifax location, was scheduled to appear in court on April 2nd to defend himself against various alcohol related charges. These charges stem from Mr. Harrington’s attempts to introduce in-store winery services to Nova Scotia.

We were hopeful that on April 2nd the judge would render her decision and we would all now know the outcome, enabling us to move on in life and business. Unfortunately, after a short hour of listening to arguments from both the crown prosecutor and the defense, the judge has elected to postpone her decision until June 16th (hopefully 2009!). Two more long months! We once again wait with baited breath.

THE FUGLY

One of the charges laid against Mr. Harrington is “Selling alcohol without a license” (aka bootlegging). To the surprise of many, the crown prosecutor contends that, according to the Nova Scotia Liquor Act, a wine kit is considered alcohol, hence, Mr. Harrington should be found guilty on the above charge.

Holy wine corks Batman! If this is the case and the judge agrees with the crown prosecutor, it will not be long before all brew shops in Nova Scotia are driven out of business due to selling a controlled substance- alcohol. Additionally, big box stores, co-op stores, selected drug and convenient stores will need to cease and desist in their selling of wine kit products.

The most ironic part of this absurd scenario is that the competitor who filed the original complaint(s) now has the most to lose. As a stakeholder with five independent wine making locations throughout metro Halifax, he will also be forced to abide by the judge’s ruling. We often sow what we seed.

Several days back I read in our local newspaper that Nova Scotia had the lowest participation of all Atlantic Provinces in the recent Earth Hour. This should come as no surprise as many Nova Scotians are already aware that Canada’s Ocean Playground remains in the dark ages on many matters including alcohol regulations. Why else would other provinces such as New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island & Saskatchewan be welcoming the in-store winery industry with open arms while Nova Scotians are cheated of this service and industry players are intertwined in court battles?

Cheers!

Blair

Wine & Beermaking……A Recession-Proof Industry

An Irish wake, a kitchen ceilidh, a Saturday night shin-dig…‘What are three good reasons to have a drink, Alex?’

Many industries have their own uniqueness or quirks. One of the home wine industry’s quirks is that the industry itself is recession proof in nature.

No matter how tough and difficult life becomes, no matter how at risk our job security becomes, or how much month is left at the end of the money, we simply refuse to stop consuming alcohol.

I live and work in Atlantic Canada, a former rum-running region with a population mix dominated with Irish, Scottish, French Acadians, et al, so there may be more truth than poetry in the above statement. This statement also holds true for many (and most) other regions of our fair and vast country.

Despite our situation, we often seem to find a way to work our booze costs into our budget. This is generally accomplished by either reducing consumption (then again, maybe not) or by finding cost effective alternatives.

This cost effective alternative is where the home wine & beer industry plays a large part in fulfilling consumer budgetary needs. A quality wine kit will yield on average under $5 per 750 ml bottle. A quality beer kit will average well under $1 per 341 ml bottle. And as many well versed wine & beer makers will attest to, the added bonus to “making your own” is you don’t forfeit quality, you gain pride in ownership and workmanship.

This short spiel was partly inspired by a newspaper article I recently read. To read an expanded view on this topic, I invite you to click on or paste the link below:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Canadians+turn+booze+tough+economic+times/1214446/story.html

Americans may have a constitutional right to bear arms, but we friendly Canadians have found a way to put our bare arms to far better use…a back yard BBQ, a campfire…

Cheers,

Blair

I intentionally delayed my December blog in anticipation of the results of Ross’s Harrington’s December 9th court date with the Nova Scotia Provincial Government (see November blog for details).

Unfortunately, December 9th was not our tell-all date as I first anticipated and mentioned in my previous blog. Other than sitting in on an hour or so of very entertaining (and often sad) court cases, our case was dealt with (or not) in approximately 10 minutes.

Prior to our court date, all parties agreed on a statement of facts. i.e: Yes, Ross has provided in-store winery services. Yes, Ross has provided storage for customer’s carboys of wine etc, etc.. In this case agreeing to a statement of facts means that no witnesses are required to testify in court.

As a time- and cost-savings measure, Ross’s legal council and the Crown Attorney requested the opportunity to submit a written summary of facts, etc., as opposed to an oral presentation of their case. The judge agreed with this proposal. Each side must now submit their case in writing to the judge for review by the end of February. The next scheduled date is March 5th, where the judge will allow for oral presentations and hopefully render a decision.

Based on the above facts and comments made by legal council, the issues of this case and the judge’s decision will hinge on the interpretation of Nova Scotia Provincial liquor laws. Be sure and check out my March blog for more information.

In the meantime, best wishes to all for a safe and happy Holiday Season.

Blair

On Tuesday, December 9th, Ross Harrington, owner of the Wine Kitz location in Clayton Park, Halifax, NS, is scheduled to go to court to defend himself against the following charges: keeping liquor for sale; manufacture and keeping of liquor; and use of premise for storage of liquor. All three of these charges stem from Ross’ 2006 attempt to introduce in-store winery services to Nova Scotia (for a detailed description of in-store winery services go to http://winekitzatlantic.ca/winery/). These charges are in spite of the fact that this Halifax location has obtained an in-store winery license from the Excise Tax division of the federal government.

In-store winery services have been a mainstay industry in British Columbia and Ontario for over 12 years. In the past 5 years the concept has also been introduced in Quebec, and in our neighouring province of New Brunswick. Additionally, the Saskatchewan government is currently meeting with the player in the industry in order to draft up legislation to introduce in-store winery in that province by Spring of 2009. Our sources tell us that beautiful Prince Edward Island may soon be following suit. So, the question begs: Why not Nova Scotia?

In such a transient world, the shop owner/operators are asked this question on a daily basis by many of our customers who have previously lived in provinces which offer this service. Additionally, our fellow New Brunswick owner/operators tell us they have many Nova Scotia residents who regularly use their do-it-yourself services.

Prior to Ross Harrington’s 2006 attempt, many local home wine shop owner/operators have attempted to have the government amend it’s antiquated Liquor Act and permit the introduction of do-it-yourself-wine shops.

In our continued efforts over several years to convince our provincial government to amend the Act, we have hired a lobbyist, we have hired an outside consultant and we have provided the government with a detailed study which included economic impact, impact on commercial wine sales, provincial tax revenue and much, much more.

Needless to say, our efforts to date have hit a brick wall. One of the few responses was a letter from Ernie Fage, then minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Liquor Act stating “the Wine Association Industry of Nova Scotia has developed a long-term strategic plan for the industry that government has chosen to support, and the u-vint concept may not be consistent with this approach.”

Such a response raises so many questions. The first being whatever happened to free enterprise in Nova Scotia? Both segments of the wine industry have successfully co-existed in provinces with much larger commercial wine industries than Nova Scotia. Why is there a need by our provincial government to hold back one segment of the legitimate wine industry in their effort to support another segment of the industry?

Another question which comes to mind is where is our provincial government’s vision? We have an opportunity to establish a bona-fide industry that will create both employment and self-employment outside of the traditional major centers. While tens of thousands of satisfied customers are using this service in other provinces, Nova Scotians are once again forced to play second fiddle to the rest of the country.

Will things ever change? Stay tuned………with Ross Harrington championing our cause, December 9th may be our tell- all date.

September 2008

As regional director for the Atlantic region and as a franchisee (store owner), I consider the announcement below a step forward in continuing to provide our loyal customers with the best possible products & services currently available in the consumer-made wine industry.

This change of ownership will have very little impact on our customers. But it’s only fair to make our many winemakers aware of who sources and formulates the products and recipes they have all become accustomed to confidently purchasing and enjoying with friends and family on a regular basis.

Kindly read on.

Blair

“ANDREW PELLER LIMITED STRENGTHENS LEADING PRESENCE IN CONSUMER-MADE WINE BUSINESS

This news release contains forward-looking information that is based upon assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties as indicated in the cautionary note contained elsewhere in this news release.

GRIMSBY, Ontario – July 2, 2008 – Andrew Peller Limited (the “Company”) announced today that it had acquired 100% of the common shares of World Vintners Inc. (“WVI”), a producer and seller of high quality consumer-made wine kits. WVI’s sales for its most recently-completed financial year ended July 31, 2007 were approximately $12.0 million. The purchase price was approximately $9.0 million, with the acquisition closing on June 30, 2008.

The acquisition brings to the Company a dedicated network of 75 franchised wine-on-premise and retail outlets under the Wine Kitz brand name. The Company remains committed to WVI’s franchisees and will invest in the network to enhance its marketing, service, and support. Franchisees will benefit from the Company’s market leadership, financial strength and reputation for quality and service. WVI also produces the popular Heron Bay brand sold through independent wine-on-premise and retail outlets across Canada.

“This acquisition significantly strengthens our consumer-made wine business, and enhances our presence in a number of markets,” commented John Peller, President and CEO.

“The addition of World Vintners complements our Vineco and Winexpert businesses and strengthens our position as Canada’s largest producer and supplier of consumer-made wines. Looking ahead, we expect this acquisition will generate enhanced business opportunities as well as economies of scale and synergies to increase our profitability,” added Rob Van Wely, President of the Company’s consumer-made wine business.

Andrew Peller Limited is a leading producer and marketer of quality wines in Canada. With wineries in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia, the Company markets wines produced from grapes grown in Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, British Columbia’s Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys and vineyards around the world. The Company’s award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Hillebrand, Thirty Bench, Croc Crossing, XOXO, Sandhill, Copper Moon, Calona Vineyards Artist Series and Red Rooster VQA wines. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popular priced products including Hochtaler, Domaine D’Or, Schloss Laderheim, Royal and Sommet. The Company also markets craft beer under the Granville Island brand. In addition, the Company owns and operates Vineyards Estate Wines and WineCountry Vintners, independent wine retailers in Ontario with more than 100 well-positioned retail locations. Andrew Peller Limited common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols ADW.A and ADW.B).

With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets consumer wine making products through Winexpert, Vineco International Products and Wine Kitz. Its broad range of high-quality brands includes Selection, Vintner’s Reserve, World Vineyard, KenRidge, California Connoisseur, Island Mist, Niagara Mist and Heron Bay.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the “safe harbour” provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to Andrew Peller Limited (“APL” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the growth of the business in light of the Company’s acquisitions; its launch of new premium wines; sales trends in foreign markets; trends in capital expenditures and sales and marketing expenses of the Company; its investments in vineyards; its supply of domestically grown grapes; international grape surplus and price discounting; consumer demand; and current economic conditions. These statements are subject to certain risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The words “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect” or “anticipate” and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “should”, “would” and “could” and similar verbs often identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this release, APL has made assumptions and applied certain factors regarding, among other things: future grape, glass bottle and wine prices; the Company’s ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass and its ability to obtain other raw materials; fluctuations in the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rates; its ability to market products successfully to its anticipated customers; the trade balance within the domestic Canadian wine market; market trends; reliance on key personnel; protection of the Company’s intellectual property rights; the economic environment; the regulatory requirements regarding producing, marketing, advertising and labelling its products; the regulation of liquor distribution and retailing in Ontario; and the impact of increasing competition.

These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in this release and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of APL which are available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company’s forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and except as required by applicable law, APL undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, or to explain material differences between actual events after the date of this release and such forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact: Mr. Peter Patchet, CFO and EVP Human Resources
(905) 643-4131 Ext. 2210 – E-mail: peter.patchet@andrewpeller.com”