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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 US.
Toronto Today reports that US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he would put a three-day pause on 50 per cent tariffs that would have hit an array od Canadian goods just after midnight Wednesday.
The two governments are now finalizing the language of the deal.
Carney, who briefed cabinet members and premiers about the draft plan Wednesday, said the deal builds on Canada’s existing trade advantages with the US.
All Canadian provinces pulled S booze from store shelves last year after Trump imposed tariffs. The bans on US 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.
Houston said provinces were also asked to ensure their procurement policies don’t include anything that specially excludes the United States.
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 said some areas of defence procurement aren’t being touched, which he said is good for Nova Scotia.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe echoed Houston’s comments during a press conference Wednesday, saying the prime minister has asked provinces to change their procurement of US alcohol.
