Premier Danielle Smith announces counter measures in the wake of U.S. tariffs alongside other provincial officials. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press

Alberta premier cuts off future alcohol from U.S. in tariff row, but no change to oil

Mar 5, 2025 | 2:48 PM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her province will no longer buy American alcohol and video lottery terminals to retaliate in the ongoing tariff row with the United States.

She says Alberta won’t play what she calls its “trump card” by reducing or levying oil and gas exports heading south.

Smith says doing so would only rebound on Canadian consumers because the U.S. would respond in kind.

The announcement comes a day after other premiers began pulling liquor off shelves and signaled other penalties to push back against the U.S. tariffs.

The full list of actions Smith announced includes:

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• No more purchasing of American alcohol
• Directing Alberta’s provincial government, agencies, schools, crown corporations and municipalities to purchase only from Albertan or Canadian companies, or from countries where free trade agreements are respected where possible
• Government to assist grocers and retailers with labelling of Canadian products
• Asking grocers and retailers to voluntarily purchase only from Albertan or Canadian companies, or from countries where free trade agreements are respected where possible
• Entering into free trade agreements with all Canadian provinces and territories

U.S. President Donald Trump has put 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods and 10 per cent levies on energy, saying he wants Canada to take action on cross-border drug traffic.

Smith echoed earlier comments from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said the U.S. tariffs are part of a strategy to crater Canada’s economy in order to annex the country.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2025.

READ MORE: Trudeau says the U.S. launched a ‘very dumb’ trade war and Canada is fighting back

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