British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch will cease purchasing American wine, beer, and liquor and will remove existing American alcohol stock from its shelves. This decision is a response to President Donald Trump’s plans to extend tariffs on Canadian goods.
The 198 B.C. government stores, which serve over 36 million retail customers annually, have previously supported wines from California, Oregon, and Washington. However, due to the ongoing tariff disputes between Canada and the U.S., this support is temporarily suspended.
Last week, B.C. gained international attention by removing alcohol products from American states governed by Republican leaders. This latest move eliminates any distinction between so-called red and blue states in B.C. stores. In a statement, Eby mentioned: “In the face of ongoing threats, including to Canada’s dairy and lumber industries, we are expanding the list of targeted American products.”
Eby has faced strong public pressure to extend the province’s ban to all American alcohol products. “We have heard the voices of people in British Columbia who are justifiably upset by American threats — and want to see us take this step,” Eby stated.
In a closing remark, Eby added, “Now, the reaction of many British Columbians — myself included — is if the president is so interested in Canadian water, then we’re going to help him out by letting him keep his watery beer.” — news from The Seattle Times