TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - Beer Canada is raising concerns following the federal government's decision to proceed with another tax increase on beer, at a time when affordability remains a top concern for Canadians.

This latest increase adds further strain on Canada's domestic brewing industry and its unionized workforce, who have joined a growing coalition of voices calling on the government to repeal the escalator policy and return tax decisions to Parliament.

Canadian consumers already pay some of the highest beer taxes in the world. With today's increase, the federal excise component will now be more than 20% higher than it was in 2017, when the current system of automatic annual increases was introduced.

Today, the federal government announced a cap of 2% on this year's increase, which is irrelevant, as it simply mirrors the rate adjustment already scheduled. In reality, it will result in an estimated $14 million in additional taxes on beer this year alone.

This policy of unreviewed and automated tax increases ignores core challenges facing the industry, including:

Rising input costs, particularly aluminum used in beer packaging

Weak and declining sales volumes across the category

Declining beer sales volumes in restaurants and pubs

"This policy choice is making life less affordable for Canadians and placing additional strain on an industry that supports jobs in nearly every federal riding," said Richard Alexander, President of Beer Canada. "From barley farmers to brewers, to pubs and restaurants in our communities, this sector is deeply rooted in the Canadian economy."

"While targeted support for small brewers is welcome, the reality is that taxes are increasing on more than 95% of beer sold in Canada," added Alexander. "At a time of declining sales and rising costs, allowing another increase to proceed is the wrong decision at the wrong time."

Beer Canada continues to call on the federal government to cancel future automatic increases, repeal the escalator policy, and restore parliamentary oversight of tax decisions, ensuring they are subject to proper scrutiny and reflect the impacts on Canadian jobs, investment, and affordability.

CALGARY, Alberta, April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For more than 70 years, Denny’s Canada has been a place where people can come in, sit down, and connect over great food. Continuing its long-standing relationship with Alberta, Denny’s Canada is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of Denny’s Cornerstone, located at 1155 Cornerstone Boulevard N.E., Unit 640, in the heart of one of Northeast Calgary’s newest and fastest-growing communities.

Situated within the Highstreet at Cornerstone shopping complex, this new restaurant marks Denny’s first location in the Cornerstone area, while joining two existing Northeast Calgary locations at Crossroads and McKnight. As the community continues to develop, Denny’s Cornerstone will offer local residents, families, and commuters a welcoming place to gather and enjoy familiar favourites made fresh.

“We are incredibly proud of our deep roots in Alberta and our long-standing relationship with Calgary, where we’ve been serving guests for over 50 years,” said Ron Cecillon, President and Chief Operating Officer, Denny’s Canada, Bar One and UK & Ireland Restaurant Group. “Opening Denny’s Cornerstone is an exciting opportunity to be part of one of Calgary’s newest communities, while continuing to grow our presence across the province. Guests can expect the same great food and friendly service they know and love, in a brand-new space designed to bring people together.”

Built to reflect Denny’s welcoming diner-style atmosphere, Denny’s Cornerstone guests will be able to enjoy all their favourites, from all-day breakfast to lunch, dinner, and late-night dining, making it a go-to spot any time of day.

“As Cornerstone continues to grow, we’re excited to bring the Denny’s experience to local residents and those travelling through the area,” said John Yoingco, Franchise Business Development Manager, Denny’s Canada. “This new restaurant allows us to serve the community with a warm, welcoming space where families, friends, and neighbours can connect over a great meal.”

In addition to serving great food, Denny’s Canada remains committed to supporting the communities it serves through local partnerships and charitable initiatives. As a proudly Canadian owned and operated brand, Denny’s Cornerstone looks forward to becoming an active part of the Cornerstone neighbourhood and contributing to the community as it continues to grow.

Denny’s Cornerstone opened on March 22, 2026, and will offer dine-in service for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. The team looks forward to welcoming guests to experience Canada’s Modern Diner in one of Calgary’s newest communities.

New Hamburg, Ont., April 1, 2026 – Second Cup Café will open its first location in New Hamburg, Ontario, marking the brand’s entry into the community and introducing a co-branded concept with Pita Pit, both part of the Foodtastic portfolio.

The grand opening will take place on April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 338 Waterloo Street, Unit 12. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the new café, sample menu items, and meet the franchise owners.

Franchisees Sanjay and Kiran Biswal own and operate the new location, which is their first Second Cup café. They also manage the co-located Pita Pit, combining two brands in a single space to serve a variety of customer needs.

“Bringing Second Cup to New Hamburg is an important step in expanding into growing communities across Ontario,” says Roxane Desjardins, Marketing Director at Second Cup. “This location reflects our focus on creating welcoming, high-quality café experiences while partnering with local operators who understand and are invested in their communities. We’re proud to introduce the brand here and offer residents a new place to connect over great coffee.”

The opening event, which also marks Biswal’s birthday, will include a ribbon and cake-cutting ceremony as well as complimentary samples of food and beverages, including limited-time menu items.

The first 50 guests will receive a complimentary small coffee. All attendees will receive a reduction of 10 per cent off purchases during the event and a 25 per cent return voucher valid through May 15. Additional giveaways are planned throughout the opening.

The new café reflects Foodtastic’s ongoing expansion of multi-brand franchise models in Canada and its strategy to bring established brands to a range of communities.

For more information about the new location and grand opening, visit secondcup.com

Vancouver, BC — April 1, 2026 — announces the appointment of Chad Yamagata as its new executive pastry chef, bringing more than two decades of international experience leading pastry programs at some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels. He will oversee all pastry operations across the hotel’s culinary venues, as well as lead the pastry program at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, .

Yamagata joins the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property with a career spanning South Korea, Dubai, and Canada. Known for his refined and elegant approach to dessert, he has built a reputation for delivering elevated guest experiences while creating and mentoring pastry teams.

“We are thrilled to have Chad join our culinary team,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “He introduces a new level of artistry and global perspective to our dessert and pastry program, and we look forward to the creativity and leadership he will bring to Fairmont Pacific Rim.”

Most recently, Yamagata was the owner and pastry chef of SEE WHY Patisserie & Dessert Studio in Seoul, Korea, where he led a program of bespoke dessert collaborations with leading global luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Van Cleef & Arpels, Balenciaga, Gucci, and Thom Browne.

His resume also includes the role of executive pastry chef at five-star hotels such as St. Regis Hong Kong and JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Seoul. He was also the corporate executive pastry chef of South Korean celebrity chef Edward Kwon’s restaurant group, EK Foods.

“I’m honoured to be returning home to Vancouver and joining the talented team at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Yamagata. “This is an incredible opportunity to lead the pastry program across such a dynamic property, including the Michelin Guide-recommended Botanist. I look forward to creating memorable dessert experiences for our guests.”

For more information, please visit