Ontario Premier Doug Ford vowed to maintain the province’s ban on American alcohol, dismissing calls for its removal following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. The dispute centers on retaliatory tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian goods, and Trump’s recent complaints about the LCBO’s decision to remove American spirits from its shelves.
Ford addressed the issue Tuesday at Queen’s Park, stating, “It’s obviously working. it’s an irritant, but there’s one thing President Trump can do: get rid of Canadian tariffs.” He reiterated that the ban would remain in place until the U.S. Lifts the tariffs, characterizing the LCBO’s actions as a key negotiating tactic.
The alcohol ban was initially implemented last year in direct response to U.S. Tariffs on Canadian products. Trump referenced the ban Monday in a post on his Truth Social platform, while also threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. He argued that the U.S. Should receive financial compensation and ownership stake in the bridge, citing the potential economic benefits for the U.S. Market.
“What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won’t even put U.S. Spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves,” Trump wrote in the post.
Ford dismissed the threat to the bridge opening, expressing confidence it would proceed as scheduled. “I’ll notify you the reason why it’s going to open because it’s in the best interest of the American economy,” he said, noting that Trump had previously supported the project during his first term. He also pointed out that the bridge’s construction utilized both American and Canadian steel and labor.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is fully funded by Canada under a 2012 agreement, with ownership shared between Canada and the state of Michigan. Michigan is also entitled to 50 percent of net toll revenues after Canada recovers its construction costs.
Ford urged a firm stance against Trump’s pressure, stating, “Let’s not waver. Let’s not buckle to President Trump’s threats. Let’s be strong, as we have been let’s continue to be strong, negotiate through strength not weakness and we need to move forward.” He suggested that Trump’s actions could negatively impact Republican candidates in the upcoming U.S. Midterm elections, particularly in Michigan, where all House seats are up for grabs.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Trump on Tuesday, according to reports. Carney informed Trump that Canada financed the bridge’s $4 billion construction cost, that ownership is shared between Canada and Michigan, and that the project involved workers and materials from both countries. Carney described the conversation as “positive.”
Ford reiterated his confidence in the bridge’s opening during an appearance on ABC News Live, stating, “I find it ironic what President Trump is saying. When he was president in 2017, he ordered to speedy-track the project.” He warned that delaying the bridge would harm the economies of Michigan and the wider U.S.
The premier acknowledged uncertainty surrounding Trump’s motivations but expressed skepticism about engaging in what he termed “these games,” given the political stakes in the upcoming midterms. He concluded by expressing continued confidence that Trump would “come to his senses and understand Here’s beneficial, especially for people in the U.S. And the economy in Michigan.”
