Manitoba’s leader expressed a tentative willingness to replenish American alcohol stocks as part of a potential trade pact, albeit with a caveat – “Don’t purchase it.”
Negotiations between Canadian and U.S. officials are in progress to finalize an agreement that would prevent new U.S. tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team deliberated on the impending deal with his cabinet and the provincial leaders.
Kinew revealed that Carney urged the provinces to reintroduce American liquor to store shelves, but Manitoba has not yet consented to this proposal.
In the event that U.S. products are reintroduced to Liquor Marts as part of a trade agreement, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the autonomy to “leave it there.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Kinew advised reporters, “Don’t buy it. Let it sit on the shelf… and opt for Canadian products instead.”
The province initially withdrew millions of dollars’ worth of American-made alcohol in 2025 in retaliation for Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade accord.
Manitobans queued up extensively to purchase American liquor for a limited period in December after the province restocked some inventory before Christmas and donated $2.6 million in proceeds to holiday charities.
American wines and liqueurs set to expire this fall were also sold at Liquor Marts in May.
Despite the availability of U.S. alcohol, Manitobans exhibited a preference for local alternatives, leading to a nearly $21 million year-over-year sales growth at the province’s Liquor Marts as reported in June.
Other Prairie provinces reinstated U.S. alcohol on shelves much earlier. Alberta removed U.S. alcohol from store shelves in March 2025 in alignment with other provinces but lifted the ban three months later, citing a renewed commitment to fair trade.
Saskatchewan briefly enforced a ban in March 2025 but reversed the decision two months later.
Carney urged the premiers not to exclude the U.S. from their procurement policies, Kinew disclosed. Manitoba’s procurement policies have favored Canadian or non-American sources since the onset of the trade war, resulting in an 82% decline in the province’s spending on American companies year-over-year.
Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan criticized Kinew for allegedly not supporting local initiatives as much as claimed, pointing out that the province inked a $36 million contract with the American-based Aramark food services in July 2025.
Kinew emphasized the need for a comprehensive trade deal with the U.S., expressing a desire for tariffs on steel and aluminum to be eliminated. He highlighted the necessity for supporting workers, such as those at the Gerdau steel mill in Selkirk, Manitoba, to reach an agreement.
Kinew labeled Trump as erratic, irresponsible, and untrustworthy, raising concerns about the longevity of any potential deal.
If U.S. booze is not reinstated on shelves, Kinew indicated that there would be no trade deal with the Trump administration. He emphasized the importance of fighting for a better deal and asserted that Canada holds the upper hand in negotiations with the U.S.
Kinew acknowledged that he may not be entirely satisfied with the final deal but emphasized the importance of working collectively as Team Canada to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing tariff disputes.
