Ontario is removing U.S. alcohol from government-run liquor stores as Canada and the United States impose dueling tariffs in an escalating trade dispute.
Starting Tuesday, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) will pull all American wine, beer, spirits, and seltzers from its shelves and wholesale catalog, cutting off access to more than 3,600 products from 35 U.S. states.
The decision, announced by Premier Doug Ford, aims to support Canadian producers and reinforce Ottawa’s response to new U.S. tariffs.
“Every year, LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits, and seltzers. Not anymore,” Ford posted on X.
“There’s never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product.”
Canada and the U.S. have entered a rapidly intensifying trade war after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday imposing a 25% tariff on nearly all Canadian imports, with a 10% duty on energy.
In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced countermeasures targeting $30 billion in American goods, with plans to escalate to $155 billion later this month.
The first wave of tariffs from both sides will take effect Tuesday. Trudeau is urging Canadians to support domestic businesses.
“Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada. Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada,” he posted to X.
Senior Canadian officials have condemned Trump’s move as a violation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the modernized version of NAFTA.
An official said Trump’s actions breach market access commitments and that Ottawa is weighing broader consequences.
As part of its countermeasures, Canada has released a comprehensive list of American goods subject to tariffs.
It includes cheeses, meats, milk, fruits, vegetables, coffee, spices, chocolates, pastas, fruit juices, beer, wine, liqueurs, tobacco, perfumes, beauty products, kitchenware, car parts, lumber, toilet paper, clothing, and household items.
Officials said the targeted products were chosen to minimize the impact on Canadians while maximizing pressure on key U.S. industries.
Beyond Ontario, other provinces have moved to block American alcohol sales.
In Quebec, Finance Minister Eric Girard confirmed that the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) will remove U.S. alcohol from its shelves.
“We will protect our economy, our businesses, and our citizens,” he said.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced that the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) will take similar action.
The province will also limit U.S. businesses’ access to government contracts and double tolls for American commercial vehicles at the Cobequid Pass.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey criticized the tariffs as “unprecedented taxes on critical products” and pledged to stand with the federal government in resisting U.S. pressure.
British Columbia Premier David Eby dismissed the idea that Canada would bow to American demands.
“If America thinks tariffs will crush the resolve of Canadians – they’re wrong,” he said, confirming U.S. liquor will be pulled from BC stores and excluded from government purchases.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith struck a more nuanced tone, acknowledging concerns over the U.S. border and fentanyl crisis but warning that tariffs would hurt American consumers.
“The President Donald Trump is right to focus on major problems like our broken border and the scourge of fentanyl, but the imposition of tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented, won’t solve these problems, and will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains,” she posted on X.
Senior Canadian officials said Sunday they hope these initial steps will make Washington reconsider its approach but warned that further action, including potential energy-related measures, remains under consideration.
