Manitoba’s premier expressed his reluctant willingness to consider reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement but advised against purchasing it. Canadian and U.S. officials are in discussions to finalize a deal to prevent new tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. During the negotiations on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the provinces to return American liquor to store shelves, although Manitoba has not yet agreed to this request.
If U.S. products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of the trade deal, Premier Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the choice not to buy them. He encouraged consumers to opt for Canadian alternatives to convey disapproval of President Trump’s trade policies. Manitoba had previously removed millions of dollars’ worth of American alcohol in 2025 in response to Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods.
In contrast to Manitoba’s stance, other Prairie provinces reintroduced American alcohol to stores relatively quickly. Alberta removed U.S. alcohol from shelves in March 2025 but later lifted the ban, citing a renewed commitment to fair trade. Saskatchewan implemented a temporary ban in March 2025 but reversed the decision two months later.
Carney also called on the premiers not to exclude the U.S. from their procurement policies. Manitoba’s procurement policies have favored Canadian or non-American sources since the onset of the trade dispute, leading to a significant decrease in spending on American companies. The premier highlighted the impact of these policies on trade negotiations with the U.S. and emphasized the need for fair tariffs to support workers in industries such as steel.
Premier Kinew expressed skepticism about the longevity of any deal with the Trump administration, citing concerns about potential reversals. He stressed the importance of advocating for a better trade agreement and asserted Canada’s advantageous position in the negotiations. Kinew’s remarks drew criticism from a California winemaker who emphasized the distinction between different U.S. alcohol producers.
Public reactions to the possibility of American alcohol returning to store shelves varied, with some expressing support for buying local products. Consumers highlighted the positive impact on local distilleries in filling the void left by the absence of American products. Overall, there is a mix of opinions on the potential reintroduction of American alcohol and its implications for trade relations between Canada and the U.S.