The only thing Torontonians like stronger than their drinks is their sovereignty. And for a while there, it looked like both were on the rocks. In response to Donald Trump’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs, Doug Ford came out firing, announcing that Ontario would pull all US-made booze from LCBO shelves as one of Canada’s many retaliatory measures. Then, just as Ontarians were gearing up for last call on Jack Daniel’s and Maker’s Mark, both sides hit pause.
A full-blown trade war may be on hold for 30 days, but Canadians are still feeling shaken. With Trump’s tariff threat looming, we hit the streets to ask Torontonians about the president’s bluster, the province’s potential retaliatory measures, and whether they’ll be drowning their sorrows with American or Canadian booze.
How do you feel about Doug Ford potentially pulling US liquor from LCBO shelves? I support it—I think it’s necessary. The American government has sparked the drama from their side, and it’s fair that we retaliate in our best interests. The tariffs are crazy and unfortunate. At the same time, the LCBO is one of the biggest importers of American liquor, which is all the more reason to replace American products with Canadian ones wherever possible. Even if this is just a flash moment, it will help us know what to look for if we want to buy and consume Canadian wine, liquor or beer moving forward.
So you’re not rushing to stock up on your American booze? I think I’ve had enough Bud Light and Budweiser in my time. I’d be happy to replace that with Moosehead or other Canadian lagers or alcohol of any kind. Honestly, I’m looking forward to finding out how I can substitute my usual drinks with Canadian ones.
What’s your temperature on the tariff threat? It’s creating more turmoil in an already very disturbed world. It would affect everyone, but the people who are already struggling would be the ones who are going to suffer the most. Life would get harder for a lot of people.
If Trump doesn’t back down, would you support retaliatory measures? I would. I think a tit for tat in this case is fine.
Do you plan on boycotting American products? Yes, I am definitely going to be looking more into that. In fact, just before this, I was ordering groceries, and I was going through the list, trying to see what’s made in Canada. So, yes, absolutely. I’m absolutely going to be more conscientious about that.
Do you think Donald Trump is bluffing about imposing tariffs? I feel like right now it’s just an ego thing, and there’s going to be an agreement sooner than later.
Even with the tariff pause, do you plan on boycotting American products? Yeah. I mean, I’ve already been boycotting some American brands and products in solidarity with Palestine, and it’s hard. Canada buys a lot of products from the States, so it would be difficult to substitute everything. As much as you want to buy all Canadian products, we rely on so much from south of the border.
How do you feel about the tariff threats coming from the Trump administration?
Steve: We’re quite confused and very surprised. The States and Canada have been lifelong allies—it’s a breach of trust and confidence.
Do you agree with Ontario’s decision to play hardball?
James: Absolutely. Support local businesses.
Steve: James is right. I don’t blame Ontario. This is your province, this is your identity, your opportunity to make a statement in the right way. You’re just trying to say to anyone who’s watching and listening: we’re here to stay. Buy local and keep Canada for Canada. It’s not just America that’s on the world stage.
How would you feel about Ford pulling American liquor for LCBO shelves? I own a business that uses American alcohol, and you just caught me on my way to do a last-minute rejig of our entire menu to pull away from American-made products. I don’t want to use them at this time regardless of whether they’re being pulled from shelves.
This could directly affect your business. Are you worried? I mean, our entire menu needs to be turned on its head, so having to do a panicked rejig of everything is not great for me or my bottom line. I’m not a huge fan of the hit to our budget, but I’m absolutely willing to do it.
So if Trump doesn’t back down on tariffs after this pause, you’d support retaliatory measures? I’m torn because, on the one hand, my niche is whisky, and I’m friends with Americans in the distilling industry. The last thing I want is for folks who own distilleries south of the border, who had no say in this happening, to be negatively impacted. My heart goes out to them. At the same time, I am firmly in the camp of hitting Trump where it hurts.
These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY
Sign up for This City, our free newsletter about everything that matters right now in Toronto politics, sports, business, culture, society and more.
Soraya El-houni is a freelance writer for Toronto Life whose work includes culture and real estate reporting and as-told-to memoirs.