I would just tell her to take her cue from recommendation 332 of the Standing Committee on Finance, which is quite wise and well thought‑out.
Two years ago, mead and cider were exempted from the excise tax. We applaud the government's proactiveness in making this move. However, the fact that some non‑grape‑based products are exempt, but not others, has added a layer of complexity and inconsistency.
As mentioned, blueberry and raspberry wines are still subject to the excise tax. Alongside these products are cider and mead. Blueberry cider producers, for example, will use berries in the fermentation process. The sugar from the berries is used to make the alcohol. As a result, these products will be subject to the excise tax.
This complexity, this red tape, is unnecessary. The committee's recommendation is another step towards comprehensive regulations.