Manitoba’s leader expressed reluctant willingness to consider reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement, with a strong recommendation not to support it through purchases.
Negotiations between Canadian and U.S. officials are ongoing to prevent new U.S. tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Manitoba Premier Mark Carney, along with his cabinet and provincial leaders, discussed the potential deal, including the return of American alcohol to store shelves.
Although Carney requested provinces to reintroduce American alcohol, Manitoba has not yet agreed to this proposal. Wab Kinew emphasized that even if U.S. products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of a trade deal, Canadians have the choice to opt for Canadian alternatives instead. Kinew urged consumers to refrain from purchasing American alcohol to convey dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s trade policies.
In response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, Manitoba initially removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made alcohol in 2025. Despite some limited availability of American liquor in December and May, Manitobans displayed a preference for local products, leading to a significant sales increase at Liquor Marts.
While other Prairie provinces swiftly resumed selling U.S. alcohol, Manitoba’s procurement policies continued to prioritize Canadian or non-American sources since the onset of the trade conflict. This stance significantly reduced the province’s spending on American companies, prompting the Trump administration to seek a trade resolution with Canada.
Kinew emphasized the importance of securing a favorable deal for Canadian workers, such as those at the Gerdau steel mill in Selkirk, Manitoba. Expressing skepticism about the longevity of any agreement with Trump, Kinew reserved the right to remove U.S. alcohol again if the terms of the deal were not satisfactory.
Amidst these developments, a California winemaker, Steve Matthiasson, criticized Kinew’s approach, highlighting the impact on U.S. alcohol producers like himself. The trade war’s disruptions have hindered Matthiasson’s export business, leading to operational challenges and reduced growth opportunities.
Public sentiment in Winnipeg varied regarding the potential reintroduction of American alcohol, with many echoing support for buying local products and expressing skepticism about purchasing U.S. goods. The prevailing sentiment among Canadians appears to favor domestic options over American imports, reflecting ongoing tensions in trade relations between the two countries.