Opposition urges Premier Moe pull U.S. booze as cross-border tariff war spirals

Saskatchewan’s Opposition NDP is urging Premier Scott Moe to remove U.S. liquor from store shelves as the cross-border tariff war intensifies. The NDP claims it is time for Moe to stop "pandering" to U.S. President Donald Trump during the escalating trade conflict. Saskatchewan and Alberta have largely kept U.S. alcohol in their stores despite the ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the United States over the past 1.5 years.

However, Manitoba has refrained from importing U.S. alcohol for over a year, with Premier Wab Kinew stating it is essential to fight back. Moe's government has not commented on a possible change in stance on U.S. alcohol, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that her province's policy remains unchanged, emphasizing that the final decision is up to Albertans.

Recently, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods, with Prime Minister Mark Carney promising retaliation with dollar-for-dollar tariffs by Sept. 8. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts to 50% starting Jan. 1.