Manitoba residents eager to enjoy American-made alcoholic beverages at local bars will have to wait a little longer. Premier Wab Kinew reiterated on Friday that his province has no plans to lift the ban on U.S. alcohol products. This measure, which has been adopted by several Canadian provinces, is a response to ongoing trade tensions with the United States under the Trump administration.
Kinew emphasized that the U.S. government views the ban on American alcohol imports as a significant issue. When asked about Manitoba’s stockpile of U.S. alcohol, Kinew acknowledged the possibility of following Nova Scotia’s lead in selling off their remaining $14 million worth of American booze and donating the proceeds to food banks. He commended the decision of Canadian provinces to remove American alcohol from their shelves.
The decision to restrict U.S. alcohol imports stemmed from President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on non-compliant Canadian goods in February, affecting trade relations under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. Kinew noted that while Manitoba initially weathered the impact of American tariffs well, the province is now beginning to feel the effects. He emphasized the need to remain vigilant against the policies of the Trump administration.
During the summer, Manitoba utilized some of its stockpiled U.S. alcohol to support a managed alcohol program, providing regulated doses to individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as wildfire evacuees, under medical supervision. Kinew estimated that Manitoba’s ban on U.S. alcohol sales results in an annual loss of $80 million to the American economy.
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries reported that the total value of U.S. alcohol stockpiled in the province, including duties and taxes, amounts to $3.4 million. While Alberta and Saskatchewan have lifted their bans on American alcohol imports, Manitoba continues to uphold its restrictions.