Based on coverage from CBC and the Winnipeg Free Press.
Manitoba's Ban on U.S. Alcohol Continues
Manitobans hoping to enjoy their favourite U.S.-made liquor will have to wait a bit longer. Premier Wab Kinew has shown no intention of lifting the province's ban on American alcohol products. This prohibition is part of Canada's broader response to the U.S. trade dispute that began under the Trump administration. "You've heard them talk about this. This is a pain point for them," Kinew remarked, emphasizing the impact of the ban on U.S. interests.
The ban was initially put in place after former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods that didn't comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. While Manitoba's economy initially weathered these tariffs well, Kinew noted that the province is starting to feel the economic pinch, necessitating continued vigilance against U.S. trade policies.
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Manitoba's Approach to Stockpiled U.S. Liquor
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has been stockpiling U.S. alcohol, with the current inventory valued at $3.4 million. This stockpile includes duties, taxes, and other fees. Some of this American-made liquor was offered to managed alcohol programs during last summer's wildfire evacuations. These programs, which are medically supervised, provide regulated doses to individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The Crown corporation offered the liquor to Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin, an organization supporting health and wellness services for First Nations in northern Manitoba. However, the offer was not taken up. Kinew has expressed openness to considering Nova Scotia's approach of selling off its U.S. alcohol inventory and donating the proceeds to food banks. "We’ll be open to being flexible with this… it probably makes sense for us to consider," he said.
Comparing Provincial Responses to U.S. Tariffs
While Manitoba maintains its ban, other provinces have taken different approaches. Nova Scotia recently announced it would sell its $14 million inventory of U.S. alcohol and donate the net profits to food banks. Premier Tim Houston emphasized a "Team Canada approach to tariffs and trade," stating that Nova Scotia would not order more U.S. products once the current inventory is sold.
In contrast, Alberta and Saskatchewan lifted their bans on U.S.-made alcohol in June. The varying responses highlight the complexity of provincial strategies in dealing with international trade disputes. Kinew remains firm that Manitoba's approach has successfully drawn attention from the U.S., stating, "This is one of the tools that we’ve used that’s actually gotten the attention of the Trump administration."
As the situation evolves, Manitobans will have to wait and see if the province will eventually follow Nova Scotia's lead or continue its current stance. For now, the ban remains a symbol of Canada's broader trade strategy and its impact on local economies.
