Ontario Premier Doug Ford silent on request to restock American alcohol
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has remained silent regarding requests to restock American alcohol in provincial liquor stores as trade negotiations with the U.S. continue. Ford previously implemented the ban as a retaliatory measure against American tariffs and has maintained a defiant stance despite pressure from federal leadership.
Why it matters
The ongoing boycott represents a significant trade irritant between Canada and the U.S., complicating high-stakes negotiations over tariffs and economic policy.
As a deadline for Canada and the United States to reach a trade deal approaches, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is remaining silent on both tariffs and a request to restock American alcohol at provincial liquor stores.
Under Ford, Ontario was the first province to remove American booze from circulation in retaliation for tariffs from United States President Donald Trump in March 2025.
Since removing alcohol from the LCBO more than a year ago, Ford has been a fiery advocate for the booze ban, arguing it has been effective retaliation against the American tariffs.
He has repeatedly said the LCBO won’t put American alcohol back on the shelves of provincial liquor stores until tariffs introduced last year are removed.
As recently as last month, the Ontario premier defiantly said he wouldn’t “back down” on the booze ban in a social media post.
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