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4mo ago

Provinces Put U.S. Alcohol Back on Shelves in Short-Term Charity Sales

Provinces are using expiring stock from the tariffs dispute to raise money for local food banks.

Wine and spirits from the U.S. are once again for sale in some Canadian provinces for a limited time.
Various American-made spirits and wines will be available to purchase by the general public in Manitoba for a short period of time. A sign is placed in front of the American whiskey section at a B.C. Liquor Store after top selling American made products have been removed from shelves in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
Dozens line up outside the Madison Square liquor store, one of seven provincially run liquor stores in Winnipeg that will sell U.S.-made alcohol until Dec. 24.
Starting Thursday, Islanders can purchase existing stock of U.S. alcohol in all P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission corporate, agency and licensed stores.

Overview

  • Manitoba opened sales first to businesses and then to the public, with nearly $2 million purchased in the first four hours and public buying running through Dec. 24 at select Liquor Marts, with proceeds to local holiday charities.
  • Prince Edward Island begins selling its remaining U.S. inventory on Thursday across PEILCC stores and expects about $600,000 in net profit for Island food banks, with no reorders planned.
  • Nova Scotia reported strong early demand after launching sales on Dec. 1, moving about $3 million of U.S. product in the first week, with net profits going to Feed Nova Scotia and other community groups.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador is restocking its U.S. liquor and will donate an estimated $1 million in net proceeds to the Community Food Sharing Association.
  • Provincial approaches differ, with Ontario holding about $80 million in U.S. stock and not committing to sales as it explores options, New Brunswick directing proceeds to provincial coffers, and Alberta and Saskatchewan having resumed sales months earlier.