Ontario Premier Ford Maintains U.S. Booze Ban Amid Trade Dispute

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared he will maintain the ban on American wine, beer, and spirits in Ontario until U.S. President Donald Trump removes tariffs on Canadian goods or a new trade deal is reached between the two countries. This stance persists despite Canada dropping some retaliatory tariffs on American goods covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, a move led by Prime Minister Mark Carney intended to preserve the trade relationship with the U.S. Ford emphasizes a firm approach, stating that American alcohol will not return to Ontario shelves under current conditions, and notes that Ontario wine sales have increased during the ban. While Quebec opted to donate expiring banned American alcohol to charity, Ford says Ontario currently has no plans to destroy American booze. He also expressed skepticism about the timing of a new trade deal, acknowledging President Trump's unpredictable approach to negotiations. The ongoing dispute reflects differing strategies within the Canadian government on handling trade tensions with the U.S.