Canadians reject lifting U.S. alcohol ban despite Trump's tariff threats
Nearly 70 per cent of Canadians surveyed in seven provinces want restrictions on American booze to stay in place, even as 50 per cent tariffs loom on August 19.
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Nearly seven in 10 Canadians in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces want their provincial governments to keep restrictions on American alcohol in place — a stance that holds firm despite mounting threats of sweeping U.S. tariffs.
Abacus Data's survey of 1,363 adults, released Thursday, found only 19 per cent want American products returned to store shelves, with 11 per cent unsure.
Opposition varies by province: British Columbia leads at 72 per cent, while Ontario and Atlantic Canada stand at 69 per cent, and Manitoba at 63 per cent. The restrictions, imposed in early 2025 in response to Trump's trade war and threats to make Canada the "51st state," remain popular across age groups and political lines — 83 per cent of Liberal voters and 84 per cent of NDP voters support keeping them, while 53 per cent of Conservative voters also back the measures.
Opposition sharpens among older Canadians: 78 per cent aged 60 and over support the ban, compared to 60 per cent of those aged 30 to 44.
More than half (54 per cent) of all Canadians want the restrictions to stay until the U.S. removes its tariffs, even if it triggers further retaliation. Another 19 per cent said the restrictions should remain permanent. Only 19 per cent want provinces to lift them to ease trade tensions, with 8 per cent unsure.
Abacus Data CEO David Coletto said: "These results suggest provincial governments have considerable public room to keep American alcohol off their shelves. This is not simply about wine, beer or spirits. The results reflect a broader public instinct that Canada should not reward economic pressure with immediate concessions."
The tariff threat looms large. Last month, Trump signed three executive orders imposing 50 per cent tariffs on the vast majority of Canadian goods, citing provincial alcohol boycotts, Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made vehicles and auto parts, and quotas on American dairy imports. Those tariffs are set to take effect August 19.
If U.S. tariffs take effect August 19, which Canadian goods will see the steepest price increases for consumers?
Will any Canadian provinces negotiate separately with the U.S., or is the alcohol ban a unified provincial strategy?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
What percentage of Canadians surveyed support keeping U.S. alcohol restrictions in place?
Nearly 70 per cent of Canadians surveyed across British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and Atlantic Canada support maintaining the restrictions on American alcohol.
When are the threatened U.S. tariffs scheduled to take effect?
The 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods are set to take effect on August 19, 2026.
What percentage of Canadians want the alcohol restrictions to remain until U.S. tariffs are removed?
More than half, or 54 per cent, of all Canadians surveyed want the restrictions to stay until the U.S. removes its tariffs, even if it triggers further retaliation.
How many people did Abacus Data survey for this poll?
Abacus Data surveyed 1,363 adults across the seven provinces.
