Mark Carney asks provinces to restock US booze — but 3 out of 4 Canadians say they've already moved on

The prime minister made the specific request during a virtual first ministers briefing Wednesday as officials worked to finalize a broader trade agreement with Washington. President Donald Trump agreed to a temporary three-day pause on proposed 50% retaliatory tariffs on Canadian exports, placing the removal of provincial alcohol bans front and centre in negotiations.

Concession made at the bargaining table

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston confirmed Carney asked provincial leaders to end the retail bans, framing it as a direct concession to resolve a major US grievance.

“The prime minister has asked us as provinces to return the U.S. alcohol to the shelves,” Houston told reporters following the meeting, adding the request came directly out of high-level bargaining with American officials.

Eight provinces pulled American products off shelves last year after escalating trade disputes with Washington. While Alberta and Saskatchewan have since lifted their bans, major jurisdictions including Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec have kept American alcohol locked out.

Provincial sources said Carney told premiers he is willing to bear any public backlash for the policy reversal if it secures a favourable cross-border arrangement.

Consumer habits present a new hurdle

Getting American products back onto store shelves may prove far simpler than convincing Canadian consumers to buy them.

The survey data suggests Canadian craft breweries, wineries and distillers have picked up lasting market share over the past year, insulating local producers even if store inventories are replenished.