A Democratic U.S. senator has posted on social media, urging Canada to reconsider its boycott on American alcohol, especially wine from California.
In a post on X, California Senator Adam Schiff indicated that the boycott of California wine was causing devastating harm to winegrowers.
Last month, Schiff sent a letter to Quebec Premier Christine Frechette, asking her to reconsider the boycott in the province.
Schiff added that Quebec consumers have historically enjoyed access to a wide variety of American wines. As such, their absence restricts choice in the marketplace. This was while cutting off USD 308.14 (CAD 434) million from the market. He added that unfortunately, the restriction on American wine has had damaging consequences for regional consumers and businesses besides producers who have no influence over national policies.
He went on to add that reopening the market to American wine may restore consumer choice, besides signalling a commitment to restoring fair and balanced trade. This situation arose because Quebecois consumers and American wineries are not connected to the underlying trade disputes.
In a statement to CTV News in response, Frechette’s office stressed that Quebec was standing firm on the boycott measures.
The response statement also emphasised that, in light of the ongoing trade war, the premier remains committed to defending Quebec’s economic interests. This measure may remain in effect as long as the U.S. sustains these unjustified tariffs. Quebec’s government may re-evaluate its position once the American administration reverses these measures.
In the meantime, New York Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced this week that she’s launching legislation to investigate unfair trade practices. Additionally, the legislation is known as the Combatting Attacks on American National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies or Canada Act.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford maintains that his province won’t back down.
Canadian booze retailers thriving
At Westcott Vineyards in Ontario’s wine-rich Niagara region, owner Carolyn Hurst was glad for premiers who weren’t backing down.
As a direct result of the March ’25 booze ban, Hurst says that Westcott sales at the LCBO have increased 600 per cent. On-site sales have surged 20%. As such, she added that she was compelled to expand her operations by the 3rd. This expansion will involve planting an additional 30 acres of vineyards. This is besides the permitting process for an expansion building.
