Manitoba Premier Kinew Confirms Ongoing Ban on U.S. Alcohol Sales

Manitoba residents seeking American-made liquor will face continued restrictions as Premier Wab Kinew confirmed that there are no plans to lift the ban on U.S. alcohol sales. The announcement highlights the province’s ongoing response to tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian goods.

Manitoba, along with several other provinces, enacted the ban on American liquor as a measure against the tariffs that affected local businesses and trade relations. This decision aligns with the broader strategy of utilizing economic tools to address trade tensions between Canada and the United States.

Nova Scotia’s Approach and Kinew’s Comments

In a recent move, Nova Scotia announced plans to sell off its remaining stock of American liquor starting on Monday, with proceeds set to be donated to local food charities. Premier Kinew suggested that Manitoba might adopt a similar approach, indicating that the sale of remaining American products could serve both a charitable purpose and a political statement.

Kinew articulated that the prohibition on American alcohol has captured the attention of the Trump administration, asserting that this strategy has been effective in pushing back against U.S. tariffs. “This is one of the tools that we’ve used that’s actually gotten the attention of the Trump administration,” Kinew stated during a news conference. “So in order to push back against Donald Trump’s tariffs, keeping the American booze off the shelves is good.”

The ongoing ban reflects Manitoba’s commitment to supporting local businesses and responding to the economic pressures stemming from international trade disputes. As the situation evolves, the provincial government remains focused on safeguarding its interests while exploring potential avenues for dialogue with the U.S. administration.

As of now, residents will need to continue seeking alternatives to their favorite American spirits, and it remains unclear when or if the ban might be reconsidered in the future. This report was initially published on November 29, 2025, by the Canadian Press.