Manitoba’s leader has indicated a willingness to consider reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement, with a notable suggestion to refrain from purchasing it. Negotiations are ongoing between Canadian and U.S. officials to prevent new tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team discussed the potential deal with his cabinet and provincial leaders.
Premier Kinew mentioned that Carney requested the provinces to reintroduce American liquor to store shelves, although Manitoba has not yet agreed to this proposal. Even if U.S. products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of the trade deal, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the freedom to opt for Canadian alternatives.
The province previously removed millions of dollars worth of American-made alcohol in 2025 in response to tariffs imposed by Trump. Manitobans queued up to purchase American liquor for a limited period in December, following the province’s decision to restock some products before Christmas and donate proceeds to charitable organizations.
Local preferences have been evident, with Manitobans showing a significant increase in sales of nearly $21 million at Liquor Marts, favoring domestic options over U.S. alcohol. While other Prairie provinces reintroduced American alcohol earlier, Alberta and Saskatchewan lifted their bans after a few months, highlighting a commitment to fair trade practices.
Regarding procurement policies, Carney urged provincial leaders not to exclude the U.S. from their sourcing strategies. Manitoba has favored Canadian or non-American sources in its procurement policies since the trade dispute began, resulting in a substantial reduction in spending on U.S. firms.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Kinew expressed reservations about the trade deal, emphasizing the need for zero tariffs on steel and aluminum. He stressed the importance of supporting workers in industries like the Gerdau steel mill for Manitoba to consider the terms of the agreement. Kinew criticized Trump’s trade approach as erratic and untrustworthy, questioning the longevity of any potential deal.
A California winemaker and Winnipeg native, Steve Matthiasson, criticized Kinew for not distinguishing between different U.S. alcohol sources, highlighting the impact on California winemakers due to decreased exports. He emphasized the challenges faced by his business and the disappointment of not being able to export wine to Canada.
Public opinions on the potential reintroduction of American alcohol varied, with some supporting the move as a strategic decision in negotiations with Trump. However, many Canadians, like Brian Mann, expressed a preference for local products and a reluctance to purchase American goods. Overall, there is a mix of perspectives on the trade negotiations and the impact on cross-border relations.
