Manitoba’s leader expresses his reluctant willingness to consider reintroducing American liquor as part of a potential trade agreement, with a clear message to consumers – “Avoid purchasing it.”
Negotiations between Canadian and U.S. officials are ongoing to reach a deal that would prevent new U.S. tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney raised this matter with his cabinet and provincial leaders, including Kinew.
Kinew revealed that Carney had urged provinces to reintroduce American alcohol to retail shelves, but Manitoba has not yet consented to this request. Kinew emphasized that even if U.S. products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of a trade agreement, Canadians have the freedom to opt for Canadian alternatives instead.
During a press conference, Kinew advised consumers to refrain from purchasing American liquor and to choose Canadian options to send a clear message of disapproval towards President Trump’s trade policies.
In 2025, Manitoba initially removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made alcohol in response to Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.
Despite temporary availability of American liquor in December, Manitobans displayed a preference for local products, contributing to a significant year-over-year sales increase at Liquor Marts. Other Prairie provinces, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, reinstated U.S. alcohol on shelves after brief bans.
Carney also urged provincial leaders not to exclude the U.S. from procurement policies. Manitoba’s procurement preferences have significantly reduced spending on American companies, impacting the Trump administration’s interest in securing a deal.
In response to criticisms from the Opposition Leader regarding support for local businesses, Kinew defended his stance on prioritizing Canadian sources. He emphasized the importance of securing favorable terms for workers and industries like the Gerdau steel mill in Selkirk, Manitoba, in any trade agreement.
Kinew characterized Trump as unreliable and questioned the longevity of any deal with the U.S., asserting Manitoba’s right to remove American liquor from shelves again if necessary.
A California winemaker and native of Winnipeg, Steve Matthiasson, expressed disappointment over the trade war’s impact on his business, highlighting the challenges faced due to restrictions on exporting to Canada.
Public reactions to the potential reintroduction of American liquor varied, with many expressing support for buying local and skepticism towards U.S. products. Notably, consumers like Brian Mann emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian products and local businesses.