Multiple Canadian provinces are responding to President Trump’s tariffs with plans to remove American alcohol from store shelves.
Trump on Saturday signed off on 25 percent tariffs on Canada, with 10 percent tariffs on Canadian energy imports.
He also initially targeted Mexico with 25 percent tariffs and China with 10 percent ones. Those on Mexico have been delayed one month, but the tariffs on Canada and China are set to take effect on Tuesday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded Sunday night, saying he would impose 25 percent tariffs on more than $100 billion in U.S. goods.
At the regional level, provinces are taking their own actions, with multiple premiers saying they have directed their respective liquor boards to stop selling American alcohol.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation will remove all U.S. alcohol from store shelves starting Tuesday, totaling more than 400 products, including beer, wine, spirits and coolers.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement that he told the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to pull U.S. alcohol from stores starting Tuesday.
“Every year, LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers. Not anymore,” Ford said in a statement. “Starting Tuesday, we’re removing American products from LCBO shelves. As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can’t order or restock U.S. products.”
“There’s never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product. As always, please drink responsibly,” he added.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said he directed the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch to stop purchasing American liquor from Republican-led “red states” and to remove the top brands from public liquor stores. He told Global News that liquor from U.S. states that are not under GOP control would not be affected by the move.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he directed the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries to stop selling American products in the province, starting Tuesday.
“Trump’s tariff tax is an attack on Canadians,” Kinew said in a statement. “We support the federal response to these tariffs and here in Manitoba, we’re stopping the sale of American products at Manitoba liquor marts. How you choose to spend your money is one of the most important decisions you as a consumer can make. There are plenty of great Manitoba breweries and distilleries to support instead.”
Quebec Premier François Legault said his province will fight the tariffs, with his government announcing that he has asked the liquor board, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), to remove all American products from its shelves starting Tuesday, the CBC reported.
“Today, Mr. Trump has decided to attack us. We have to stand up, we have to fight to protect our economy, to protect our jobs,” Legault told reporters Saturday night, the CBC reported.
