Ontario might ban American alcohol at the LCBO in response to Trump tariffs

Ontario might ban the LCBO from purchasing American-made alcohol and restrict electricity exports to the United States if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada once he takes office.

A provincial government official told INsauga.com that there are several measures that Ontario could impose in retaliation.

It includes restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York and Minnesota.

The official said that in 2023, Ontario exported enough electricity to those three states to power 1.5 million homes.

The LCBO, which is the largest buyer of alcohol in the world, could also be restricted from buying American-made alcohol, the official said.

The LCBO also remains the exclusive wholesaler in the province’s newly expanded alcohol marketplace.

Other measures being looked at include restricting exports of Canadian critical minerals and restricting U.S.-based companies from the provincial government’s procurement process.

Trump responds to Ford’s electricity threat

Meanwhile, Trump was asked Thursday about Ford’s comments regarding Ontario possibly cutting off electricity supply.

CNBC asked Trump about Ford’s remarks and the president-elect said it’s “fine” if Ontario imposed these restrictions, arguing the U.S. “is subsidizing Canada.”

Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the province would rather have co-operation with the U.S., but could “end power sale into the U.S. market” the day Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

— With files from The Canadian Press