Manitoba’s leader expressed a reluctant willingness to consider reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement but advised against purchasing it. Talks between Canadian and U.S. officials are ongoing to prevent new tariffs on around $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Premier Mark Carney held discussions with his cabinet and provincial leaders regarding the potential deal.
Premier Kinew revealed that Carney urged provinces to reintroduce American alcohol to store shelves, but Manitoba has not agreed to this proposal yet. If American products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of the trade agreement, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the choice to opt for Canadian alternatives instead.
In a news conference, Kinew urged citizens not to support Trump’s trade tactics by refraining from purchasing American alcohol if it returns to shelves. Manitoba had removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made alcohol in 2025 in response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.
While some Prairie provinces swiftly reintroduced American alcohol, Manitoba has not made a decision yet. Kinew stated that excluding the U.S. from procurement policies had significantly reduced the province’s spending on American companies, leading to decreased financial support for U.S. firms.
The premier emphasized the importance of standing firm in negotiations and advocating for favorable terms. He criticized Trump’s trade approach, expressing concerns about the stability of any potential deal and reserving the right to remove American alcohol from shelves again if necessary.
In response to Kinew’s stance, a winemaker highlighted the impact of the trade dispute on U.S. businesses, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to trade relations. Despite the challenges faced by businesses like his vineyard, he empathized with Canadians’ frustrations over the trade policies affecting U.S. exports.
Public reactions to the potential reintroduction of American alcohol varied, with individuals expressing support for buying local products and emphasizing the importance of positive cross-border relationships for businesses on both sides.
