Quebec Defies Federal Trade Push Over U.S. Alcohol Ban
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Premier Christine Fréchette insists the province alone decides when American liquor returns to SAQ shelves, despite Ottawa's efforts to avert U.S. tariffs.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has declared that American liquor will remain banned from the province's government-run liquor stores, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), until a "fair" agreement is reached, as CBC News first reported. According to a statement from the premier's office reported by CBC News, Fréchette maintains that alcohol sales fall exclusively under Quebec's jurisdiction and that the province alone will decide when to lift the restrictions.
This stance comes as the federal government seeks to avoid a broader trade conflict. CBC News reports that sources indicate Ottawa is preparing to meet several U.S. demands to avoid planned 50 per cent tariffs on hundreds of Canadian imports. These potential concessions include ending provincial bans on American alcohol, adjusting dairy policies, and lifting retaliatory tariffs on U.S. automobiles.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has noted that while the provinces hold the final decision on restocking, changes to the bans could be part of a larger trade deal. Negotiators are currently working toward a resolution before a deadline of Aug. 19 set by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The standoff has drawn international attention. CBC News reports that California Rep. Mike Thompson has urged the Quebec premier to lift the restrictions, arguing that it is in the best interest of both Californians and Canadians for the province to resume sales of U.S. wine.