Manitoba’s leader expressed his reluctant willingness to reintroduce American liquor in the region as part of a potential trade agreement, but advised against purchasing it. Canadian and U.S. officials are in discussions to finalize a deal that would prevent new U.S. tariffs on around $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. During a meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team engaged with the cabinet and provincial leaders to discuss the potential deal.
Kinew mentioned that Carney urged the provinces to bring back American alcohol to retail shelves, although Manitoba has not yet agreed to this request. Even if U.S. products are restocked as part of the trade deal, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the choice to opt for Canadian alternatives instead. He recommended consumers to refrain from purchasing American liquor to convey disapproval of Trump’s trade tactics and treatment of Canada.
In 2025, Manitoba removed millions of dollars worth of American alcohol in response to Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Despite some American liquor being briefly available in December and May, Manitobans displayed a preference for local options. This preference led to nearly $21 million in year-over-year sales growth at the province’s Liquor Marts by June.
While Manitoba has not agreed to reintroduce American alcohol, other Prairie provinces have already done so. Alberta initially removed U.S. alcohol from store shelves in March 2025 but subsequently lifted the ban three months later to demonstrate a commitment to fair trade. Saskatchewan also briefly imposed a ban in March 2025 but reversed the decision two months later.
Carney advised the premiers against excluding the U.S. from their procurement policies, emphasizing the importance of fair trade practices. Manitoba’s procurement policies have favored Canadian or non-American sources since the onset of the trade conflict, resulting in an 82% decline in spending on American firms. This approach has significantly impacted trade relations and prompted the U.S. administration to seek a deal with Canada.
Kinew expressed skepticism about the potential trade agreement, citing concerns about the unpredictability of Trump’s actions and the longevity of any deal reached. He highlighted the need for support for workers in sectors like the Gerdau steel mill in Manitoba to ensure that any agreement benefits local industries. Kinew emphasized the importance of standing firm in negotiations and asserted Manitoba’s right to remove American alcohol from shelves if necessary.
In response to Kinew’s stance, a California winemaker and native of Winnipeg pointed out the need to distinguish between different U.S. alcohol producers. The winemaker highlighted the negative impact of the trade war on his business, which experienced decreased exports and operational challenges due to the trade dispute. The winemaker expressed frustration over the trade policies affecting his ability to export wine to Canada.
Reactions from residents of Winnipeg varied regarding the potential reintroduction of American liquor. Some individuals supported the idea as a strategic move in negotiations with Trump, while others expressed a commitment to buying local products. The absence of American goods in stores was seen as an opportunity for local distilleries to thrive and fill the market demand.