Nine premiers plan to lift interprovincial alcohol barriers

Canadian premiers announced a deal to remove barriers and permit direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol across provinces, expanding opportunities for brewers and distillers to reach customers beyond their home jurisdictions. Nine premiers have signed on, with Quebec and Yukon aiming to join soon; British Columbia plans to enable direct sales by February 2027, while other territories noted local restrictions that could affect implementation. The move follows a previous memorandum calling for open borders to such sales by May 2026 and builds on existing agreements in New Brunswick and Manitoba to broaden cross-province alcohol trade. The push comes amid U.S. pressure, as President Trump has announced tariffs on Canadian beer, wine and spirits that critics say threaten mutual trade. Premiers frame the effort as part of a broader program to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and strengthen the Canadian economy, including hospitality sectors that could benefit from easier access to products. Critics and observers note ongoing tensions with U.S. tariffs and caution that some jurisdictions may still face practical and cultural considerations in fully implementing the deal, especially in the territories with unique restrictions.