Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew urges consumers to refrain from purchasing American liquor if it is reintroduced to Canadian stores. Negotiations between Canadian and U.S. officials are progressing to prevent new U.S. tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team consulted with cabinet members and provincial leaders about the potential agreement, with Carney specifically requesting that American alcohol be restocked in stores, as mentioned by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.
However, Kinew disclosed during a press conference that Manitoba has not yet agreed to this proposal. If Manitoba proceeds with reintroducing U.S. products to Liquor Marts as part of a trade agreement, Kinew advises Canadians to opt for Canadian alternatives over American imports. This decision, he emphasized, would serve as a symbolic stance against the trade tactics of U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Kinew, Carney informed the provincial leaders that failing to return American liquor to shelves could delay the finalization of the deal. Kinew expressed his belief that Canada should stand firm in negotiations, asserting that the U.S. is currently in a weakened position globally. He stressed the importance of advocating for a favorable outcome for Canada, despite potential dissatisfaction with the final agreement.
Kinew emphasized that the focus should be on supporting “Team Canada” and standing united against the challenges posed by ongoing tariff disputes.