Manitoba’s leader reluctantly considers reintroducing American liquor as part of a potential trade agreement, urging consumers not to purchase it. Canadian and U.S. representatives are in discussions to avoid new U.S. tariffs on around $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. During talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other officials, Premier Kinew revealed that Carney had requested provinces to bring back American alcohol, a move Manitoba has not yet agreed to.
Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the choice to opt for Canadian products over American ones if U.S. goods return to store shelves as part of the trade deal. Manitoba previously removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made alcohol in 2025 as a response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Despite the possibility of American liquor making a comeback, Manitobans have shown a preference for local options, leading to significant sales growth at Liquor Marts.
While Kinew expressed reservations about the trade deal, he highlighted the importance of supporting local industries and workers. He criticized Trump’s trade policies, calling for a fair deal and emphasizing the need to stand up for Canadian interests. Kinew also hinted at the province’s readiness to remove U.S. alcohol from shelves again if necessary.
In response to Kinew’s stance, a California winemaker highlighted the impact of the trade dispute on U.S. businesses, emphasizing the challenges faced due to disrupted trade relations. Outside opinions on the matter varied, with some supporting the move to prioritize local products and express dissatisfaction with U.S. trade policies. Overall, the ongoing discussions underscore the complexities of international trade negotiations and the significance of supporting domestic industries.
