GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

GOVERNANCE

The Appellation Authority, designated as the “Wine Authority" under Ontario’s Vintners Quality Alliance Act, is responsible for the administration of the Act.  It establishes and governs Ontario’s appellation of origin system for grape wines.  The VQA Act prescribes the duties and powers of the wine authority.   Act. Regulations under the VQA Act establish winemaking and labelling standards and reporting requirements for wineries. These regulations are made by the Ontario government. As the delegated authority responsible for the VQA Act , VQA Ontario may make rules that govern the processes and fees for wine evaluation and testing, inspection frequency and other procedural rules.

The main feature of the VQA Act is to establish a regulated appellation system where wine producers must meet a specified standard and seek the approval of the wine authority before they may label wines with related terms. The regulated terms include wine appellation names and methods of production, such as Icewine. A compliance regime is also set out under the Act including provision for audits and inspections, compliance orders, hearings and fines of up to $100,000 per offence.

Bylaws

Corporate Bylaws set out key governance structures, membership rules and corporate proceedings. The Authority is governed by an independent Board of Directors elected from the regulated industry and appointed by the Ontario government.

Link to Bylaws

Administrative Agreement

The government, through the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is responsible for governing legislation and regulations, appointing and providing oversight of the Appellation Authority.  The relationship between the Authority and the Ministry is set out in an Administrative Agreement, covering the roles and responsibilities of the two parties.

Link to Administrative Agreement