Ford says LCBO U.S. alcohol ban will remain amid new tariff threat

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province will keep the LCBO moratorium on U.S. alcohol in place, even after the White House cited it as part of a renewed trade dispute. The issue resurfaced after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new threat of 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods. The White House pointed to Ontario’s decision last year to stop buying and selling U.S. alcohol at the LCBO as one of the trade irritants behind the move. Ford said Ontario would not reverse course, arguing that Canada should respond to tariffs with strength rather than concessions. He said the province has already taken several steps in the trade dispute, including the LCBO ban, a brief electricity surcharge, and limits on U.S. companies bidding on government contracts.