Why Quebec has not - yet - signed Canada's direct-to-consumer alcohol sales deal
Quebec has declined to sign a Canadian interprovincial agreement aimed at facilitating direct-to-consumer alcohol sales. The province cites the need for legislative amendments and concerns regarding the state-run liquor monopoly's revenue.
Why it matters
The delay highlights the tension between national trade liberalization efforts and provincial regulatory control over alcohol distribution.
So why is Quebec staying on the sidelines?
This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers across Canada, allowing manufacturers to sell alcohol beyond their home provinces. Premiers say the changes are especially important as the U.S. continues to threaten hefty tariffs on Canadian exports.
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new 50 per cent tariffs on many Canadian products — including alcohol.
Yukon and Quebec did not sign the agreement. Nunavut and the Northwest Territories said they would not sign it, citing the "unique realities of our territories."
9 premiers to allow wineries, distilleries, breweries to sell directly to consumers across provinces
In a post on X, Premier Christine Fréchette said Quebec supports the objectives of the agreement, but that adhering to it would require amendments to Quebec's laws in order for the deal to take effect.
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