Manitoba’s leader has cautiously expressed willingness to reintroduce American alcohol into the province as part of a potential trade agreement while advising against its purchase. The discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials aim to prevent new tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Premier Mark Carney engaged with his cabinet and provincial leaders to review the potential deal.
According to Premier Kinew, Carney requested that provinces reintroduce American alcohol to store shelves, although Manitoba has not yet agreed to this proposal. Kinew emphasized that if U.S. products are returned to Liquor Marts as part of the trade deal, Canadians have the choice to refrain from purchasing them and opt for Canadian alternatives instead. Kinew conveyed this message during a press conference, stating that it is a way to express disapproval of President Trump’s trade policies.
In response to Trump’s tariffs in 2025, Manitoba initially removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made alcohol from shelves. However, during a limited period in December, Manitobans lined up to purchase American liquor after the province restocked some inventory before Christmas, donating $2.6 million in proceeds to charitable organizations.
Despite the availability of U.S. alcohol, Manitobans displayed a preference for local options, leading to a significant increase in sales at Liquor Marts. Other Prairie provinces, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, previously reintroduced American alcohol after implementing temporary bans.
Premier Carney urged provincial leaders not to exclude the United States from procurement policies. Manitoba’s procurement preferences have shifted towards Canadian or non-American sources since the onset of the trade war, resulting in a substantial decline in spending on American firms. The Opposition leader raised concerns about the province’s continued contracts with American companies despite Kinew’s assertions of supporting local businesses.
Kinew highlighted the importance of securing a favorable trade deal with the U.S., emphasizing the need for zero tariffs and support for local industries like the Gerdau steel mill. He expressed skepticism towards Trump’s reliability and indicated that Manitoba reserves the right to remove U.S. alcohol from shelves if necessary.
In response to Kinew’s stance on American alcohol, a California winemaker emphasized the importance of distinguishing between different U.S. alcohol producers. The winemaker highlighted the negative impact of the trade war on exports and business operations, underscoring the challenges faced by businesses due to uncertain trade policies.
Outside a Liquor Mart in Winnipeg, individuals shared mixed reactions to the potential reintroduction of American alcohol. Many expressed support for purchasing local products and emphasized the significance of fostering positive trade relationships between Canada and the U.S.