Manitoba’s leader has indicated a willingness to consider reintroducing American liquor as part of a potential trade agreement, with the caveat of advising against purchasing it. Canadian and U.S. officials are in discussions to prevent new U.S. tariffs on about $30 billion worth of Canadian products. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently engaged with his cabinet and provincial leaders regarding the proposed deal.
Premier Kinew disclosed that Carney urged the provinces to bring back American alcohol to store shelves, although Manitoba has not yet agreed to this request. Even if U.S. products are returned to Liquor Marts as part of a trade pact, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the freedom to opt for Canadian alternatives. He emphasized during a press conference the importance of sending a strong message disapproving of Donald Trump’s trade tactics.
In 2025, Manitoba removed millions of dollars worth of American-made alcohol in retaliation for Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods that did not comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. The province saw considerable consumer preference for local options, leading to a significant sales increase at its Liquor Marts.
While other Prairie provinces swiftly reintroduced U.S. alcohol, Manitoba has been more cautious. Alberta lifted the ban on American liquor three months after initially removing it in March 2025, citing a renewed commitment to fair trade. Saskatchewan also backtracked on a brief ban imposed in the same year.
Carney urged the premiers not to exclude the United States from their procurement policies, as Manitoba implemented a preference for Canadian or non-American sources in response to the ongoing trade conflict. The policy resulted in a substantial decrease in the province’s spending on American companies, prompting the Trump administration to seek a deal with Canada.
Despite awaiting further details on the agreement, Kinew expressed a desire for tariffs on steel and aluminum to be eliminated. He emphasized the importance of supporting local workers, such as those at the Gerdau steel mill, to secure Manitoba’s agreement to the terms. Kinew criticized Trump’s unpredictability and questioned the longevity of any potential deal.
Kinew highlighted the need for Canada to negotiate a more favorable deal and emphasized that the country holds a strong position in the current trade negotiations. He suggested that the U.S. administration is approaching Canada for a deal, indicating a strategic advantage for Canadian negotiators.
A winemaker from California, Steve Matthiasson, criticized Kinew for not distinguishing between different regions within the U.S. alcohol industry, emphasizing that California winemakers are not the issue. Matthiasson highlighted the negative impact of the trade war on his business, leading to export declines and operational challenges.
Public reactions in Winnipeg varied, with some supporting Carney’s concession on American liquor to facilitate trade negotiations with the U.S. Others echoed Kinew’s call to prioritize local purchases, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences amid the ongoing trade dispute. The sentiment among locals indicated a growing interest in supporting domestic products over imported goods.