Ontario is currently sitting on a massive stockpile of American alcohol, valued at an astonishing $80 million. And here’s the kicker: about $2 million worth of this spirits stash is set to expire within the next six months!
So, how did Ontario end up with such a spirited dilemma? Back in March, Premier Doug Ford made the decision to pull American wines and liquors from LCBO shelves. This move was a direct response to then-U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Since then, millions of dollars worth of these beverages have been gathering dust in storage.
As the holiday season approaches, the provincial Liberals have been urging Premier Ford to put this idle alcohol to good use. Their proposal? Sell the stored booze and donate all proceeds to charities, like food banks, providing much-needed support during a time of increased need. It sounds like a win-win, right?
However, Premier Ford isn’t convinced. He recently stated there’s “no plan” to sell off the stockpile for charity, especially during the holidays. His primary concern is protecting local Ontario producers. He fears that selling a huge amount of American alcohol at this time could deter consumers from buying Ontario-made alternatives, potentially hurting local businesses. Ford also hinted that the solution isn’t as simple as it sounds.
The Premier did offer one potential path forward: he would consider selling the alcohol if it could be moved and sold outside of the province. For now, this vast quantity of American spirits remains in limbo, sparking a debate between charitable giving and supporting local industries.
