British Columbia Premier David Eby said the province will not allow U.S. alcohol to be sold again in government-run liquor stores.
The decision signals a hardline stance in an escalating trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. regarding import duties and market access.
Speaking during a meeting of Canada’s premiers in Prince Edward Island, Eby responded to threats from the U.S. to impose a 50% tariff [1] on approximately $28 billion [1] of Canadian exports. The U.S. had set a deadline of Aug. 19, 2024 [1], for the tariff threat to take effect.
Eby said the U.S. move was a "bully" tactic. He said the province would not be intimidated by the pressure to reopen its shelves to American products.
“No way in hell we’re putting U.S. booze back on the shelves,” Eby said [2].
While some reports suggest U.S. liquor could eventually return to government shelves without a rush [3], the premier maintained a firm position. He said the province would not yield to the tariff threats.
“We’re not backing down from a bully,” Eby said [2].
The premier said there was "not a chance in hell" [4] that U.S. alcohol would be reinstated in the government-run retail system under the current circumstances.
““No way in hell we’re putting U.S. booze back on the shelves.””
This standoff illustrates the tension between provincial retail policies and federal trade relations. By linking the availability of U.S. alcohol to broader tariff threats on $28 billion in exports, British Columbia is using its domestic market as a lever in a larger geopolitical dispute over trade fairness and economic sovereignty.
