Ontario and Nova Scotia to allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales between provinces

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston show off a newly-signed agreement allowing consumers to buy alcohol directly from producers in each province Monday March 2, 2026.

Ontario and Nova Scotia will begin allowing consumers to buy alcohol directly from producers in each province as both jurisdictions look for ways to increase internal trade within Canada in the face of the U.S. trade war.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston signed a “first-of-its-kind agreement” Monday to allow the move.

“With President Trump taking direct aim at Ontario companies and workers, it has never been more important to boost interprovincial trade and support local businesses,” Ford said in a statement.

He said the deal means Nova Scotia residents will be able to easily purchase Ontario craft beers and wines and vice-versa.

Houston called the agreement “a stepping stone that will give our local producers more access to Ontario markets and open a broader customer base.”

Previously, Ontario consumers could only buy alcoholic beverages from another province if they were listed by the LCBO, ordered via the LCBO’s Private Ordering Program or bought in another province and transported home by the consumer.

Ontario banned U.S.-made alcohol from LCBO store shelves last year as U.S. President Donald Trump began imposing tariffs on Canada and making threats against the economy.

The provinces have promised to tear down internal trade barriers as part of their efforts to counter the impact of tariffs on the Canadian economy.

Alcohol producers in both provinces will be able to begin applying tomorrow to sell directly to consumers.

Ford said he’s hopeful other jurisdictions in Canada will soon follow suit.