Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says lifting the ban is “possible” in her province, pending analysis of how new Canada-U.S. trade terms will impact Quebec’s economy, reports Jeff Lagerquist at CBC News.
“We need to have a global view. The complete view of the impact on Quebec’s economy,” she told CBC News on Thursday. “If it is globally positive, it is possible that we put back the alcohol on the shelves of the SAQ.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says consumers should continue buying Canadian, even if U.S products are once again available. He noted that his province has not yet agreed to resume sales of American alcohol.
“When we put the American booze back on the Liquor Mart shelves, Canadians, leave it there,” he said. “Spend your money on Canadian products that are going to employ people in our country.”
Yukon’s government said on Thursday that consumers in the territory can expect a gradual return of U.S.-made alcohol brands in stores in the coming weeks “in the event of a deal.”
Across Canada, booze buyers have mixed feelings about buying American again. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute found 48 per cent of Canadians don’t want Canada to return American alcohol to provincially controlled liquor stores.
CBC News: If U.S. booze returns to shelves, ‘leave it there,’ Manitoba premier says