The Manitoba government is pulling American alcohol from liquor store shelves in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Premier Wab Kinew announced Friday.
“Trump’s tariff tax is an attack on Canadians,” Kinew said in a statement. “We support the federal response to these tariffs and here in Manitoba, we’re stopping the sale of American products at Manitoba liquor marts. How you choose to spend your money is one of the most important decisions you as a consumer can make. There are plenty of great Manitoba breweries and distilleries to support instead.”
Effective Tuesday, Feb. 4, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) will be directed to remove all American-made products from liquor marts and halt further orders of U.S. alcohol, the province stated.
Manitoba making more moves this week
Kinew also signalled that additional supports for Manitoba businesses and workers impacted by the tariffs would be announced in the coming days.
Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council is set to meet Monday to assess the economic impacts of the tariffs and discuss further provincial action.
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Other provinces have taken similar steps. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Sunday that Ontario would target the nearly $1 billion worth of U.S. wine, beer, spirits, and seltzers sold in the LCBO annually. More than 3,600 products from 35 U.S. states are set to be removed from store shelves on Tuesday.
“There’s never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product,” Ford said in a statement.
British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador all made the same move as Ford over the weekend.
Province says help available
Businesses or workers affected by the tariffs can contact the Manitoba government for assistance via the tariff hotline at 1-877-827-4330 (toll-free) or 204-945-8011.
Further information is available through Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or online.