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Canada restocks U.S. booze

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The gist

Prime Minister Mark Carney asked provinces to restock U.S. booze as trade talks near a deal.
A poll found 42% of Canadians would still boycott U.S. wine and spirits.

Background

Canada had banned U.S. alcohol sales in retaliation for Trump's tariffs. As Canada and the U.S. near a trade deal, Carney is asking provinces to lift these bans to resolve a key sticking point. Some premiers, like Manitoba's Wab Kinew, remain skeptical and urge consumers to 'leave it there.'

How it unfolded

  1. Aug 19, 2026PM Carney asks premiers to restock U.S. alcohol and end procurement bans as tariff talks continue.
  2. Aug 20, 2026Several premiers express openness to restocking, but B.C.'s Eby remains noncommittal; a poll shows 42% would still boycott.
  3. Aug 21, 2026LCBO prepares to restock U.S. booze; Manitoba Premier Kinew tells Canadians to 'leave it there.'

Who’s saying what

Official
PM Carney asks provinces to put U.S. booze back on shelves to finalize a trade deal.
Caution
Manitoba Premier Kinew says he is 'skeptical' of the tentative deal and urges Canadians to 'leave it there.'
Public
A poll found 42% of respondents would still boycott U.S. wine and spirits even if restocked.

Still unverified

Some premiers' final decisions on restocking are not yet confirmed; B.C. Premier Eby has not explicitly stated whether he will lift the ban.

Sources

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