Alberta has suspended all new imports of U.S.-made liquor as of today, following government orders issued in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) confirmed the directive, stating starting 12:01 AM on March 6, 2025, it will no longer accept U.S. liquor products at its central warehouse, Connect Logistics Services (CLS).
"This is the latest directive from the Government of Alberta," AGLC said. "All products with the United States as the country of origin when registering liquor products with AGLC and declared to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be included in the ban." While retailers can continue to sell U.S. liquor already in stock, AGLC will not accept returns on these products.
The Alberta government also reported new shipments of U.S. liquor dispatched after March 4 will be subject to a hefty 25 percent surtax under Canada Border Services Agency’s United States Surtax Order (2025-1). This surtax will not apply to U.S. liquor currently held within Alberta.
Premier Danielle Smith has resisted calls to sever energy exports to the U.S., warning such measures would likely incite retaliation from the U.S., especially affecting consumers in Ontario and Quebec. "First, doing so will hurt Canadians far worse than Americans should the U.S. retaliate in kind – which they will," she said. Smith pointed out these provinces' dependency on U.S. fuel imports and highlighted Alberta’s lack of infrastructure to redirect its oil supply domestically.
Calling the tariffs "an economic attack," Smith accused Trump of violating the longstanding trade relationship between the two nations, stating, "It is a betrayal of a deep and abiding friendship." Even as Alberta seeks economic independence, Smith affirmed loyalty to Canada, noting thousands of Albertans have died for the nation’s sovereignty.
To reinforce local businesses, Alberta is tightening procurement rules through which government agencies, school boards, Crown corporations, and municipalities must prioritize Alberta or Canadian businesses or purchase from countries adhering to existing free trade agreements. AGLC is extending these measures by suspending new purchases of U.S. slot machines and video lottery terminals.
Smith indicated consumers will have alternatives, saying, "We’ll just have to drink a bit more B.C. wine and Alberta craft beer and spirits." Alongside this shift, the province is launching the "Buy Alberta" campaign, encouraging retailers to spotlight Canadian products.
Alberta’s vast oil and gas reserves have been characterized by Smith as Canada’s "Trump card" during these negotiations. She argued, "U.S. cannot be anything approaching energy dominant without Canada supplying the oil and gas. It’s just a fact." The province has received proposals for numerous new U.S. pipeline projects, but Smith pointed out Alberta's intention to focus on exports to Asia and Europe instead of the U.S. market.
Remaining steadfast, Smith claimed Alberta’s discounted oil exports have greatly benefited the U.S. economy, asserting, "Currently, they buy $100 billion a year of highly discounted oil from Alberta – which tens of thousands of U.S. workers and refineries then upgrade to sell around the world for $300 billion of value. We have made many Americans very wealthy." Yet, under Trump’s tariffs, Alberta is redirecting its focus but remains hopeful of future energy partnerships.
Calling for national unity, Smith has urged other Canadian provinces to engage with Alberta on free trade and labor mobility agreements to minimize interprovincial barriers. "My government will enter agreements with every province willing to do so," she said, underscoring Alberta's role as an advocate for internal trade freedom.
During discussions on Wednesday, Canada’s First Ministers committed to reducing internal trade barriers and agreed to expedite the recognition of professional credentials across provinces. They also supported extending direct-to-consumer sales for Canadian alcohol products, particularly beneficial to provinces like Alberta.
While Alberta faces economic challenges due to Trump's tariffs, Smith noted, "I’m not going to sugarcoat things. The road ahead is very bumpy." Economic repercussions might include job losses, inflation, and budget deficits. Nonetheless, she remains confident about Alberta’s resilience, stating, "Albertans always find a way, and we will again." Her concluding sentiments pointed to the possibility of Trump’s tariff strategies inadvertently strengthening Canadian economic unity and independence.