Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a stern warning to U.S. officials, stating that he will direct the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to pull all American-made alcohol from its shelves if President Donald Trump follows through on his proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.
Speaking at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) news conference earlier today, Ford emphasized his readiness to retaliate against potential economic measures from the U.S.
“I’ve sent a direction to the LCBO that if these tariffs come, to clear off every bit of U.S. alcohol off the shelves,” Ford said. “Let’s start promoting more Ontario-made wines, spirits, and vodkas. We are the largest purchaser of alcohol in the entire world—they will feel the pain.”
This is not the first time Canada has responded to U.S. trade actions with economic measures of its own. During Trump’s first term, Canada imposed tariffs on U.S.-manufactured bourbon in response to American duties on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Ford recalled a conversation with the Governor of Kentucky during the previous trade dispute, saying, “The first thing out of [the Governor’s] mouth was, ‘Don’t touch my bourbon.’ And I said, ‘You’ve gotta talk to your president, because the first thing we’re doing is getting your bourbon.’”
President Trump, sworn in today for his second term, has stated his intent to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico to bolster American manufacturing. However, recent reports suggest that the tariffs are unlikely to be implemented immediately.
Ford’s plan aims to shift consumer focus toward locally made alcohol, potentially boosting Ontario’s wine and spirits industries. “We need to support our own industries and showcase the quality products Ontario has to offer,” Ford stated.
As of now, U.S. alcohol remains on LCBO shelves, but Ford has made it clear he is prepared to act swiftly if tariffs are introduced.
This move signals a readiness for economic countermeasures as Ontario prepares for what could be a tense trade relationship with the United States under Trump’s second presidency.