VQA Process to Change a Regulation
Regulations governing the labeling and production standards for VQA wines are contained in VQA regulation 406 and amendments are permitted through a standardized process.
- A request is received to amend a specific regulation.
- The request is forwarded to the Board of Directors for preliminary review and then referred to the Standards Development Committee for review.
- is consistent with its strategic objectives and mission
- improves or at least maintains the quality of VQA wines
- improves or at least maintains the positive image VQA wines and the credibility and perception of the VQA appellation system
- The Standards Development Committee makes a recommendation on the technical aspect of the proposed change.
- The amendment is circulated to the VQA membership for comment for a minimum period of 30 days.
- Proposed regulation change is recommended to Minister of Government Services.
Proponents typically detail a specific regulation change or may request a broader change in principle to the regulations. The request is submitted to VQAO staff, who assesses whether the change is technical in nature, policy related or both.
During this process, further information may be sought from the proponent. It is expected that the proponent provide sufficient technical information and/or information on policy or image issues to make a sound case for the proposed change. VQA Ontario must be satisfied that the proposed change
Items that require technical research to complete due diligence on the part of VQA Ontario will normally be referred back to the proponent or other interested parties. VQA Ontario does not have a research budget and will verify information only.
On issues that are likely to be complex or controversial within the industry or with consumers, VQA Ontario normally will conduct informal consultations prior to formally considering a regulation change. These consultations may be through members meetings or soliciting comment from stakeholders such as the WCO, GGO, LCBO or other wine trade or consumer groups.
The Board considers the recommendation of the Standards Development Committee and any non-technical issues related to the proposal. If the Board of Directors has enough information on which to base a decision, the Board may either approve the drafting of a new regulation for circulation to the membership or not.
After receiving and considering comments, the Board may make a motion at its next regular meeting on whether to recommend such a change to the Minister for approval. Further consultation may also be sought at this point.
Regulation changes may take several months or up to several years to complete depending on their complexity or the state of consensus around the proposal. VQAO will endeavour to process requests for regulatory change as expeditiously as possible.
Proposals to the Minister are accompanied by an explanation and rationale for the change and a summary of any objections received during the 30 day consultation stage.
Once a regulation change is recommended to the Minister, Ministry officials perform a due diligence review of the proposal and prepare a legal draft. The change is then added to the Ministers agenda for review at the earliest convenience. The Minister may approve the change immediately or request further information. Regulation changes take effect as soon as they are approved by the Minister.