Manitoba’s leader expressed a reluctant willingness to consider reintroducing American alcohol as part of a potential trade agreement, with a caveat – advising consumers not to purchase it. Canadian and U.S. officials are in discussions to finalize a deal to prevent new U.S. tariffs on nearly $30 billion worth of Canadian goods. During a meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team discussed the prospective agreement with cabinet members and provincial leaders.

Kinew revealed that Carney had requested the provinces to reintroduce American alcohol to retail shelves, but Manitoba has not yet agreed to this proposal. If U.S. products are restocked in Liquor Marts as part of the trade deal, Kinew emphasized that Canadians have the choice to refrain from buying them and opt for Canadian alternatives instead. He made these statements during a press conference on Thursday, stressing the importance of sending a message against President Trump’s trade policies.

In response to Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, Manitoba had initially removed millions of dollars worth of U.S.-produced alcohol in 2025. The province even donated $2.6 million from the sales of American liquor to charitable organizations. Despite the temporary availability of American alcohol in December and May, Manitobans continued to show a strong preference for local products, leading to significant sales growth at Liquor Marts.

While some Prairie provinces reinstated U.S. alcohol sales earlier, Manitoba has maintained its stance. Carney urged the premiers not to exclude the United States from their procurement policies, emphasizing the impact of Manitoba’s preference for Canadian or non-American sources on American firms. The province’s spending on American companies decreased by 82% due to this policy.

Opposition leader Obby Khan criticized Kinew, questioning the accuracy of the 82% figure given the recent contract signed with an American-based food services company. Despite ongoing negotiations, Kinew remains skeptical about the longevity of any deal with the Trump administration, highlighting the need for support for local workers and industries.

In a separate response, California winemaker Steve Matthiasson expressed concerns over the trade war’s impact on his business due to decreased exports following the removal of American products from Canadian shelves. He emphasized the challenges faced by his vineyard in planning and investment, attributing the difficulties to the unpredictable trade environment.

Public opinion in Manitoba regarding the potential reintroduction of American alcohol varied, with some supporting Carney’s approach as a strategic move in dealing with Trump, while others echoed Kinew’s call to prioritize local products. The general sentiment indicated a shift towards favoring local distilleries and businesses in light of the ongoing trade negotiations.

Overall, the ongoing discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials reflect the complexities of international trade dynamics, with Manitoba’s stance signaling a cautious approach towards potential trade agreements with the United States.