Ontario Premier says U.S. booze could return if trade deal protects key industries

During a Guelph press briefing, Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated that his government would be willing to re-stock U.S. alcoholic beverages if a forthcoming trade pact includes protections for the province’s steel, auto, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. His statement aligns with ongoing high-stakes negotiations between Canada and the United States, prompted by President Donald Trump’s warning of a 50% tariff on $29 billion of Canadian goods effective Aug. 19 under Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act.

Canadian trade minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief negotiator Janice Charette are slated to meet the U.S. trade envoy later Thursday, marking the second such meeting in three days. Canada has signaled willingness to lift counter-tariffs on American autos and end provincial liquor commissions’ boycott of U.S. alcohol, while also seeking relief on steel, aluminum, autos and lumber tariffs. When asked what constitutes a “fair deal,” Ford replied that tariff-for-tariff parity is essential and warned against negotiating from a position of weakness. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette similarly said her province would consider allowing U.S. wines if the trade talks show tangible progress.