Big Rock Brewery plans layoffs amid tax increases

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Big Rock Brewery is blaming an over-regulated market as the reason behind some significant changes.

The Calgary-based company announced that they’re forced to implement immediate “cost-saving measures” including layoffs.

Big Rock says the 104 per cent increase in the net provincial tax put in place by the previous NDP government in late 2018 has eroded their profitability achieved in 2018.


“Our ultimate goal is to allocate our resources in a manner that will ensure the success of the future business and maximizes shareholder value,” said President and CEO, Wayne Arsenault. “We are creating a sustainable business model by accessing new ways to grow revenues, reduce expenses and improve margins, despite the current tax regime and regulatory environment for beer in Alberta.”

The cuts will allow the company to remain competitive, support anticipated growth and drive long-term value.

Big Rock says they expect to see benefit from these measures by lower operating costs in the third quarter of 2019.