Manitoba’s leader expressed his reluctant willingness to consider reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement, with a caveat – advising against purchasing it. Canadian and American officials are in discussions to finalize a deal to prevent new U.S. tariffs on nearly $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team discussed the possible agreement with cabinet members and provincial leaders.
Kinew revealed that Carney urged provinces to bring back American alcohol to store shelves, although Manitoba has not yet consented to this request. Should U.S. products return to Liquor Marts as part of the trade deal, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the freedom to opt for Canadian alternatives instead.
During a news conference, Kinew emphasized, “Don’t buy it. Let it sit on the shelf…and buy the Canadian stuff instead,” to convey opposition to Trump’s trade approach. In 2025, Manitoba withdrew millions of dollars worth of American alcohol in retaliation for U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods.
Manitobans lined up to purchase American liquor for a limited time in December after some U.S. products were restocked before Christmas. The province also donated $2.6 million in proceeds to holiday charities. Despite the availability of U.S. alcohol, Manitobans showed a preference for local options, leading to significant sales growth at Liquor Marts.
Other Prairie provinces reinstated U.S. alcohol on shelves earlier. Alberta removed American alcohol in March 2025 but lifted the ban three months later to demonstrate a commitment to fair trade. Saskatchewan briefly imposed a ban in March 2025, only to reverse the decision two months later.
Carney urged 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 trade conflict began, resulting in a substantial decline in spending on American firms. The premier highlighted the impact of these policies on trade negotiations with the U.S.
Kinew expressed skepticism about the potential trade deal and emphasized the need for tariffs on steel and aluminum to be reduced to zero. He emphasized the importance of supporting workers to secure Manitoba’s agreement to the terms. Kinew criticized Trump’s unpredictability and raised concerns about the deal’s durability.
A California winemaker disagreed with Kinew’s stance on American alcohol, emphasizing the distinctions among U.S. alcohol producers. The winemaker highlighted the challenges faced due to decreased exports following the trade dispute, impacting business planning and operations.
Public reactions to the possibility of American alcohol returning to Liquor Marts varied. Many expressed support for buying local products, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences influenced by the ongoing trade tensions. Residents shared differing perspectives on the potential impact of reintroducing American alcohol on cross-border relationships.
