TORONTO - Ontario is helping the Brick Brewing Company expand and grow its business, while ensuring the company continues to contribute to the local economy.

The province is investing $1 million this year in the Brick Brewing Company under the Ontario Craft Brewers Opportunity Fund, which provides $8-million over four-years to Ontario craft brewers who produce less than 300,000 hectolitres of beer each year. As part of the fund, $200,000 is provided annually to the Ontario Craft Brewers Association to market and promote small brewers.

The fund builds on the Ontario Microbrewery Strategy, which provides $1 million annually over five years to support marketing, training, promotion and tourism development related to craft breweries.

"Our government knows how important craft brewers are to Ontario's history and economy," said Harinder Takhar, Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services. "We want to work with businesses across our province to help our economy grow."

"I am proud of our government's support of Ontario's Craft Brewers," said John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener Centre. "Brick's innovation and commitment to the highest standards of quality have built a remarkable local success story poised for further growth."

"The Government of Ontario recognizes the importance of a strong, vibrant and locally owned and operated craft brewing industry in this province," said George Croft, President and CEO of Brick Brewing company. "This funding will allow Brick to grow and compete more effectively in the Ontario market."