American brands of alcohol are no longer being sold in Ontario.
Their removal from L-C-B-O store shelves is one of the measures Premier Doug Ford has taken in response to the new U.S. trade tariffs that impacted Canadian products exported to the States.
“And as the exclusive wholesaler, American brands will no longer be available in LCBO catalogue, meaning other retailers, bars and restaurants in the province will no longer be able to restock US Products,” says Ford.
“This is an enormous hit to the American producers.”
Ford says the LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of U.S. wine, beer, cider seltzers and spirits imported from 35 states.
He is also ripping up the agreement signed with Elon Musk’s Starlink late last year for satellite Internet to remote areas.
American firms are no longer eligible to bid on or participate in provincial infrastructure projects and other contracts.
Ford also threatens restrictions on how critical minerals from Ontario are used by the U.S. and additional charges on power delivered across the border.
“I’m writing to every senator, every congressman and woman and the governors from New York State, Michigan and Minnesota telling them that these tariffs persist, if the Trump administration follows through on any more tariffs, we will immediately apply a 25% surcharge on the electricity we export. We will not hesitate to shut off their power as well.”
Ford is also committed to providing support to Ontario workers impacted by the trade war.
This may include retraining programs and assistance to companies that retool.
“Canada and Ontario did not start this fight. We want to work with our American friends and allies, not against them. We said we’d never start a trade and tariff war with the US but you better believe we’re ready to win one.”
