Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Friday that she will not retaliate against U. S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods by implementing an alcohol ban. Smith stated on her provincewide radio show that such a ban would be an "extraordinary measure" and that the decision of whether to stock or purchase American alcohol will be left to retailers and consumers.
This stance comes after several Canadian provincial liquor boards previously halted the purchase of American alcohol in response to earlier tariff threats and comments from the U. S. President. While liquor boards in Saskatchewan and Alberta eventually resumed stocking American products, major purchasing provinces like Ontario and Quebec have not done so.
Smith expressed a preference for a calm and measured approach, aiming to "win the hearts and minds of Americans" rather than resorting to retaliatory measures. She noted that the United States has not banned any Canadian products, making a ban an extreme response. Smith also indicated optimism that Prime Minister Mark Carney's government will reach an agreement with the U. S. to avert the looming tariffs.
The premier highlighted that the U. S. administration has cited provincial bans on American alcohol as part of its justification for the tariff threats. Smith stressed the importance of working through sectoral issues collaboratively, rather than escalating tensions. Previous tariff threats by Trump have targeted a wide range of Canadian goods, with the latest announced tariffs set to take effect soon, despite existing continental trade agreements.
