U.S. alcohol may go back on Manitoba shelves, but Kinew urges customers to buy Canadian

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is urging Canadians to bypass American alcohol on store shelves, even as trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. progress. While open to the idea of returning U.S. products if it helps secure a good trade deal, Kinew's message to consumers is clear: "If we put the booze back on the shelves, don’t buy it, let it sit on the shelf where the Liquor Mart employees will be putting it and buy the Canadian stuff instead."

Kinew also stated that Manitoba would reserve the right to remove the products again, indicating a continued stance against what he perceives as unfair trade practices. This comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly asked for American alcohol to return to Manitoba shelves.

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If we put the booze back on the shelves, don’t buy it, let it sit on the shelf where the Liquor Mart employees will be putting it and buy the Canadian stuff instead.

Meanwhile, Martin Pacak, brand manager at Winnipeg's Capital K Distillery, reported a significant increase in sales due to the "Buy Canadian" sentiment that emerged after tariff threats. Pacak believes Canada should continue to champion its industries, suggesting this could serve as valuable leverage in future negotiations. "To figure out that the alcohol, the American alcohol is something that sticks in their side, should give us some insight into how we should actually protect ourselves," Pacak said.

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To figure out that the alcohol, the American alcohol is something that sticks in their side, should give us some insight into how we should actually protect ourselves.