OTTAWA – Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked provinces to restock American alcohol on their shelves as Canada finalizes a trade deal with the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he would put a three-day pause on 50 per cent tariffs that would have hit an array of Canadian goods just after midnight Wednesday.
The two governments are now finalizing the language of the deal.
Carney, who briefed cabinet ministers and premiers about the draft plan Wednesday, said the deal it builds on Canada’s existing trade advantages with the U.S.
All Canadian provinces pulled U.S. booze from store shelves last year after Trump imposed tariffs. The bans on U.S. liquor remain in place in all but Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The Trump administration had cited the booze ban, Canada’s dairy supply management system and tariff-free auto quotas as prime reasons for the tariff plan.
Speaking to reporters from Banff, Alta., following Carney’s call with the premiers Wednesday, Houston said the prime minister asked premiers to return U.S. alcohol to shelves. He said it was a specific ask from the prime minister that “came directly out of the negotiating table.”
“We’ll work through that process,” he said, adding that it is something he would be willing to do. “Of course, it’s pending a final deal.”
“Whether Nova Scotians or whether Canadians will actually buy it when it gets back on the shelves, that’s a whole other discussion.”
Houston said provinces were also asked to ensure their procurement policies don’t include anything that specifically excludes the United States.
“That’s something we’re going to have to look at as well,” he said.
Speaking about the deal, Houston said he was “optimistic,” adding that “the broad strokes of it seem really good for Canada.”
Houston said the “core elements” of supply management are set to remain intact under the agreement, but did not provide specifics. He also some areas of defence procurement aren’t being touched, which he said is good for Nova Scotia.
“All in all, we’re moving in a good direction for our relationship with the United States, and that’s positive for everyone,” he said.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe echoed Houston’s comments during a press conference Wednesday, saying the prime minister had asked provinces to change their procurement of U.S. alcohol.
