Even if Canada is considering dropping bans on U.S. beer and liquor, Quebec will not follow suit until there is a deal in place that serves the interests of Quebecers, Premier Christine Fréchette’s office says. On Friday, CTV News revealed some of the proposals on the table as Ottawa and Washington iron out a new trade deal. Among them, according to sources, are the removal of counter-tariffs on automobiles and provincial bans on alcohol. But Fréchette’s office said in a statement that it is “essential” to defend Quebec’s interests in the context of the ongoing trade war, adding that it is “Quebec, and Quebec alone, that will make the decision” to put American liquor back on the shelves at the SAQ. “The removal of U.S. products from SAQ shelves will remain in place until an agreement that we consider fair has been negotiated. The sale of alcohol falls exclusively within the purview of the Government of Quebec,” the statement reads. When U.S. President Donald Trump announced new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods last month — including wine, hockey sticks, and cement — he cited Quebec’s booze ban, which started on March 4, 2025. In response, Fréchette’s office said the measure would remain as long as the U.S. maintains its “unjustified tariffs.” The sale of Quebec alcohol products has since surged 70 per cent in one year. The new tariffs announced by the White House are set to take effect Aug. 19, leading to recent “tense” negotiations as officials in both countries try to arrive at a bilateral agreement outside of the U.S and Canada’s formal trilateral deal with Mexico. With files from CTV News’ Judy Trinh, Mike Le Couteur, and Spencer Van Dyk
