PM asks provinces to stock U.S. alcohol

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has informed Prime Minister Mark Carney that the latter has requested provinces to restock American alcohol on store shelves, pending the finalization of a trade deal with the United States. The U.S. had previously imposed a three-day pause on 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods just after midnight Wednesday.

Canada is currently negotiating the language of the deal while provinces have pulled U.S. liquor from store shelves since last year due to the tariffs. The tariffs targeted Canada's dairy supply management system and tariff-free auto quotas. Houston stated that the prime minister’s request to restore U.S. alcohol to store shelves was a direct outcome of the negotiating table discussions.

He expressed optimism about the deal's core elements, which include the preservation of supply management provisions, while also noting that defense procurement is unaffected. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe echoed Houston's sentiments, stating that the prime minister had asked provinces to reconsider their procurement policies of U.S. alcohol, adding that it does not impact Saskatchewan or Alberta.

Both provinces hope to achieve a deal that ensures preferred market access to their largest trading partner, the United States.