Opposition urges Saskatchewan premier pull U.S. booze as tariff war spirals

Saskatchewan’s opposition party is urging Premier Scott Moe to remove U.S. liquor from shelves in response to escalating trade tensions with the United States. The NDP has called for Moe to back up his previous statements supporting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promise to retaliate with dollar-for-dollar tariffs on American goods.

NDP Leader Carla Beck stated that it was a mistake and act of cowardice for Moe to reinstate U.S. alcohol sales last year. The recent trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada began with the imposition of 50% tariffs on approximately US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including honey, hockey sticks, and flower bulbs. Prime Minister Carney promised retaliatory tariffs starting September 8.

Saskatchewan and Alberta largely left U.S. liquor on their shelves over the past 1 1/2 years, despite the trade war. Alberta Premier Danielle emphasized the importance of diplomacy and urged Canada and the U.S. to reach an agreement, noting that Alberta has the least exposure to American tariffs, affecting only three percent of its exports to the U.S. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has long advocated for a strong stance against the U.S. and urged his government not to order U.S. liquor.

Kinew is waiting for the federal government to provide details on its tariff-relief plan for businesses before announcing provincial supports.