Manitoba pulls U.S. alcohol products off shelves in response to tariffs

A file photo of a Liquor Mart.

Manitobans will have to start looking elsewhere if they want to buy American alcohol.

On Sunday, Premier Wab Kinew announced he has directed Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to stop the sale of U.S. products across the province.

Starting Tuesday, American products will be pulled off Liquor Mart shelves and MBLL will stop ordering American alcohol.

“This means that we are going to be taking $80 million out of the U.S. economy,” Kinew told reporters. “This is $80 million that we won’t be spending in the United States of America.”

The move follows an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump Saturday, imposing sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tax on energy.

Kinew said the directive will apply to Liquor Marts, Liquor Mart Express, and MBLL’s wholesale operation. However, private retailers are exempt.

“We expect that Manitobans as consumers are going to be wanting to spend their dollars on Canadian products, Canadian liquor, Canadian wines, as well as maybe on products that come from parts of the world that are going to treat us fairly and that are going to be good business partners,” Kinew said.

The premier added this is one of several steps the province is taking in response to the tariffs.

“It’s very, very important that we stand up for ourselves, not just as Manitobans, but also as Canadians,” he said.

Kinew also emphasized the steps the province has already taken to reinforce border security.

“When it comes to taking action on fentanyl or on the border, we’re happy to do that because it aligns with our values as Manitobans.”

‘A serious mistake’

While speaking to reporters Sunday, Kinew said he hopes the province’s retaliatory trade action sends a message to its southern neighbours.

“To be clear, we have no quarrel with the American people,” Kinew emphasized. “They are still our friends and neighbours, just as they’ve always been, but their president is making a serious mistake.”

The premier said the trade war unleashed by Trump will have long-term effects.

“This is going to be a long-term reorientation of our economy, and we need to make those investments in manufacturing and energy and the other areas,” Kinew said. “We can’t let the U.S. take our jobs. We can’t let President Trump take money out of our pocket. We have to stick up for ourselves.”

Kinew went on to say the impact of the tariffs will change the culture and habits of many Manitobans.

“As we go further into this scenario of living with the Trump tariff tax, then we need to seriously shift our habits … towards Canadian products, Manitoba destinations and resources that are going to keep money in our own pockets here.”

The premier said he’s also asking grocers to identify Canadian-made products in stores in an effort to encourage people to shop local.

“This is a question about national identity,” he said. “This is a question about who we are as Canadians and Manitobans.”

Kinew said the provincial government will also be sharing information in the coming days about tax deferrals and other supports for businesses.

As part of a national retaliation plan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada would impose 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.

Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports, as well as on Mexican and Chinese goods, are expected to take effect Tuesday.