Canada's Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces have started allowing the sale of US alcohol again.
In March, Canadian provinces started removing US products from liquor store shelves in the midst of an ongoing tariff spat with the country.
In a statement sent to Just Drinks yesterday (12 June), Dave Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, confirmed Alberta had removed restrictions on US alcohol purchases.
"The decision sets the stage for more constructive negotiations ahead of a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement renewal, potentially leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth for Alberta," he said.
A spokesperson for Minister Nally's office also confirmed Saskatchewan's resumption of US alcohol purchases.
Just Drinks has contacted the Saskatchewan province to confirm the news.
Minister Nally said Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney was making "a clear effort to reset the relationship with the US administration, and Alberta’s government supports this approach".
He added: "Alberta has always supported a proportionate response to US tariffs and recognises that any tariffs imposed have a negative impact on consumers, business, and industry.
"However, Alberta’s fully private liquor model distinguishes it from other provinces, resulting in different applications and outcomes from trade measures. Further, the US has also refrained from restricting the import of Canadian products."
While both provinces have resumed purchases, Canada still has a 25% tariff in place on US alcohol imports.
According to Canada's The Globe and Mail, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters at a conference Monday (9 June) that the province would not be buying US alcohol until US President Donald Trump pulled tariffs on Canadian goods.
At the same event, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston also reportedly said: “We’re not putting the U.S. booze on the shelves in Nova Scotia.”
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