(PRESS RELEASE) Canada – December 5, 2022. The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) has announced that
Christine Comeau is their new Executive Director. She replaces Rick Dalmazzi who has stepped down
from the role to pursue other opportunities in the Canadian craft brewing industry.
Comeau brings a strong mix of relevant education and experience to the leadership role. She recently
successfully co-chaired the Canada Beer Cup, the CCBA’s inaugural national craft beer competition, led
New Brunswick’s provincial craft alcohol association, held senior marketing positions in a brewery and in
a Niagara winery/distillery, has economic and real estate development experience, and even launched
her own consulting firm, exhibiting her own entrepreneurial spirit.
“The board is thrilled to have Christine at the helm of the CCBA,” says board vice-chair, Steve
Beauchense. “She brings a collaborative and pragmatic approach to advancing our key priorities and
opportunities. Her relationships and relevant market experience means she’s able to hit the ground
running.”
“Our nation’s independent craft brewers need a break,” says Comeau. “Anything we can do to minimize
cost and administrative burden will translate into increased economic activity and community vibrancy.”
She explains that craft breweries are making more beer than ever before, but that they’re also making
less money than ever before. “There is tremendous untapped potential for Canadian independent craft
brewers.”
The CCBA’s priorities include modernizing the federal excise duty structure, promoting the Independent
Craft Brewery TM seal, assisting craft breweries with compliance to the CFIA’s labelling and traceability
requirements, forging environmental stewardship through reduction in single use plastics, and
advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the craft brewing industry.
“It’s all about the people,” says Comeau. “I’ll do whatever I can to support craft brewers so they can
continue doing what they do best, and building better communities.”
