Monday March 10, 2025 | VICTORIA, Bc
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Government-owned liquor stores in BC are now taking all US liquor stores off the retail shelves. That includes wine, distilled products and beer.
Premier David Eby says this is in response to public pressure on government to ‘not even see’ US liquor on BC retail shelves. But it’s also part of an escalating tariff war between Canada and the USA.
Intent behind the tariffs:
Eby says the anti-US action at BC Liquor Stores is part of economic retaliation against against the US administration that has launched economic warfare against the Canadian economy.
He says the intent behind tariffs is to damage Canada economically so he can annex Canada politically.
“As hard as it is to believe, our longtime friend and ally is behaving like a foe. Trump wants to force us into becoming the 51st state. That will never happen. We are proud Canadians. We will always be the true north, strong and free. Elbows up!,” said Eby in today’s statement.
BC Liquor Stores:
BC Liquor Stores are a chain of government-owned and operated retail outlets operated by the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch to distribute alcoholic beverages in the province of British Columbia, Canada. They are accountable to the Attorney General of British Columbia.
This action by BC in terms of liquor products has taken a few weeks. In February the province took US liquor products from ‘red states’ (Republican led or influenced) off the shelves. Now it’s all US products, an upgrade from Public Safety Minister Gary Begg’s statement last week that the province would not be buying liquor from red states and that private liquor stores would only have access to those products while supplies last.
Public sentiment:
This lines up with the political sentiment of many Canadians who are (or being asked to) withdraw from economic relations with the United States — consumer, business or otherwise.
Buy-BC is required across government:
In early Feruary, the BC Government ordered all BC ministries, crown corporations and agencies to buy Canadian.
Monday morning push:
Eby made the announcement at a BC Liquor Store in downtown Victoria today.
The premier was flanked by two cabinet ministers: Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs who chairs the BC cabinet committee on economy and tariffs. and Public Safety Minister and Soilicitor General Garry Begg.
===== RELATED:
- CANADA-USA | BC 43rd PARLIAMENT | TARIFFS & TRADE
- BC halts importation of US-made liquor products (March 6, 2025)
- Twenty-nine BC crown corporations must prioritize Canadian goods & services (February 3, 2025)
- American liquor still on many BC retail shelves (February 2, 2025)
- Eby appoints BC cabinet committee on economy & tariffs (January 29, 2025)
Premier’s statement on removing all U.S. alcohol from BCLIQUOR stores
News release: March 10, 2025
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in response to the latest threats from the United States:
“Today, we are ordering the removal of all American beer, wine, spirits and refreshment beverages from the shelves at BCLIQUOR stores. The stores carry hundreds of types of U.S. alcohol that the BC Liquor Distribution Branch will also no longer be purchasing.
“We are taking this action in response to escalating threats from south of the border. Most recently, U.S. President Donald Trump made new threats against Canada’s dairy and lumber industries – and there are reports he has been musing about redrawing the border.
“Last week, we took ‘red state’ liquor off our shelves in a targeted move. In the face of ongoing threats, including to Canada’s dairy and lumber industries, we are expanding the list of targeted American products.
“We have heard the voices of people in British Columbia who are justifiably upset by American threats – and want to see us take this step.
“While some of us may be disappointed at not being able to access some of our favourites, this is an excellent opportunity to sample Canadian products. I encourage those who enjoy Napa Valley wines to enjoy the many award winners from the Okanagan Valley. British Columbia distillers produce many distinguished spirits, while we also brew popular domestic and delicious craft beers.
“We will be introducing legislation this week to address these unprecedented threats from the United States.
“Let there be no mistake about the intent behind tariffs. President Trump wants to hurt Canada economically so he can annex Canada politically. As hard as it is to believe, our longtime friend and ally is behaving like a foe. Trump wants to force us into becoming the 51st state. That will never happen. We are proud Canadians. We will always be the true north, strong and free. Elbows up!”