Former politician turned small business owner weighs in on challenges of running a microdistillery

Interviewee: Pierre Luc Dusseault      Interviewer: Derek Bullard

Local micro distilleries in Quebec are facing significant difficulties, including financial problems that have led to several closures in recent years.

CJMQ spoke with Pierre-Luc Dusseault, a former Canadian politician who became the youngest MP in history at 19 and now runs a micro distillery in Sherbrooke.

Reflecting on his transition from politics, Dusseault shared, “Life is great. It has been four years since I completed my second mandate, and I’ve always had a passion for spirits.”

Dusseault explained that the main issues for these distilleries are low profit margins and high production costs, especially for those using the grain-to-glass process. To address these challenges, he advocates for lower taxes and additional distribution channels beyond the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) to help these small businesses thrive.