3 hours ago
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Government-run liquor stores in Canada's
British Columbia
have initiated removing US-made alcohol brands from Republican-led states in response to new American tariffs on Canadian goods.
Meanwhile, two more Canadian provinces are planning to get rid of all American alcohol, reported NY post.
According to CBC news, by Sunday afternoon, whisky brands such as Jack Daniel’s were absent from store shelves at BC liquor stores’ Cambie Street location in Vancouver, replaced by signs encouraging customers to "Buy Canadian Instead."
Outgoing Canadian PM Justin Trudeau called on people to "choose Canada" and buy Canadian-made products.
In a post on X, Trudeau wrote: "Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada. Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada."
Canada’s Trudeau announces 25% counter tariffs on US goods | LIVE
The move came after a directive from BC premier David Eby, who announced Saturday that the province’s liquor distribution branch would stop purchasing alcohol from US states with Republican governors, as CBC news reported.
“We have targeted red states because, quite frankly, Donald Trump doesn’t care about Democrat states,” said Housing minister Ravi Kahlon, chair of the cabinet committee overseeing the province’s tariff response. “We want to make sure that we’re not punishing states that have nothing to do with this.”
The decision comes after US President Donald Trump signed executive orders Saturday imposing a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, with a 10% tariff specifically on Canadian energy products.
In his order, Trump referenced British Columbia’s role in the “heightened domestic production of fentanyl,” tying it to his justification for the tariffs, alongside concerns about illegal border crossings.
However, Kahlon dismissed this claim, instead pointing to a post from Trump’s X account where the president suggested Canada should become the "Cherished 51st State."
Trump wrote on his Truth Social post: "We pay hundreds of Billions of Dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Why? There is no reason. We don’t need anything they have. We have unlimited Energy, should make our own Cars, and have more Lumber than we can ever use. Without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country. Harsh but true! Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State. Much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada — AND NO TARIFFS!"
"This was never about border crossings," Kahlon said. "This was always about causing economic harm."
The
BC liquor distribution
branch notified industry associations on February 1 that it would support the provincial and federal response to the tariffs by removing on-hand inventory of products from Republican-led states.
Affected brands include Jack Daniel’s,
Bacardi Rum
, Tito’s Vodka,
Jim Beam
, and Bulleit Bourbon, which will be replaced with Canadian alternatives.
Some local bars and BC-based distillers have also voiced support for the move, using it as an opportunity to promote domestic products.
