Several Canadian provinces have responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs by banning or restricting the sale of American alcohol in their provincial liquor stores. This is one of the few ways they can push back against economic aggression from the United States. Provincial or territorial governments in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories have all announced bans or restrictions on the sale of U.S. booze. These actions are in addition to the federal government’s retaliatory tariffs on American wine, beer, and other alcohol.
Some premiers have also announced other anti-American measures. Quebec Premier François Legault is considering penalizing U.S. companies bidding on Quebec government contracts, while B.C. Premier David Eby is directing B.C. Crown corporations and health authorities to buy Canadian goods and services instead of American ones.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that the Liquor Control Board of Ontario will remove all American alcohol products from its shelves and wholesale catalog. This move aims to encourage consumers to choose Ontario or Canadian-made products instead. Premier Ford is also set to announce additional measures to protect Ontario from the impact of the tariffs.
In response to the tariffs, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has directed the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation to stop selling American products at Manitoba Liquor Marts, which he estimates will cost the U.S. economy $80 million. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has doubled tolls on the province’s Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles entering from the U.S.
Overall, the provincial governments are taking various actions to respond to the U.S. tariffs, but some experts believe they should focus more on helping businesses and workers affected by the economic shock instead of symbolic gestures like banning American alcohol. Abre esta foto en la galería:
Alcohol, incluso si algunas de sus acciones podrían ser vistas como violaciones de las reglas comerciales en tiempos normales.
“Donald Trump no se rige por las reglas”, dijo el Sr. Herman.
Con reportes de Frédérik-Xavier D. Plante y Laura Stone