Manitoba’s leader expressed his reluctant openness to reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement but advised against purchasing it. Canadian and U.S. officials are in discussions to finalize a deal to prevent new U.S. tariffs on nearly $30 billion in Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney consulted with his cabinet and provincial leaders regarding the prospective deal.
Although Carney requested returning American alcohol to stores, Manitoba has not yet consented. Manitoba Premier Kinew emphasized that if U.S. products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of the trade deal, Canadians have the choice to opt for Canadian alternatives instead. Kinew urged consumers not to buy American alcohol to convey disapproval of President Trump’s trade policies.
In 2025, Manitoba removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made alcohol in retaliation for Trump’s tariffs on non-compliant Canadian goods under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Despite some American products briefly reappearing in Manitoba Liquor Mart stores in December and May, Manitobans showed a preference for local options, resulting in significant sales growth at the province’s Liquor Marts.
While some Prairie provinces reinstated U.S. alcohol sales, Manitoba’s policies favored Canadian or non-American sources due to the ongoing trade war. Opposition Leader Obby Khan criticized Kinew’s stance, pointing out Manitoba’s $36-million contract with American-based Aramark food services. Kinew emphasized the need for a fair deal with zero tariffs and highlighted the importance of supporting local workers like those at the Gerdau steel mill in Selkirk, Man.
Kinew questioned the reliability of a trade deal with Trump, expressing concerns about its sustainability. He asserted Manitoba’s right to remove U.S. alcohol from shelves again if necessary. Kinew advocated for fighting for a better deal, emphasizing that Canada holds an advantageous position in negotiations with the U.S.
A California winemaker, Steve Matthiasson, expressed disappointment with the trade war’s impact on his business, emphasizing the challenges faced due to decreased exports to Canada. Outside a Liquor Mart in Winnipeg, residents shared diverse opinions on the potential return of American alcohol, with many expressing support for buying local and skepticism towards U.S. products.