File photo of Premier Ranj Pillai with Federal Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez. Photo Couresty of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – The Yukon Liquor Corporation will no longer purchase U.S.-made alcohol and the Yukon Government procurement process will be reviewed to limit purchases from American companies in response to President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods which are set to take effect tomorrow.
In a statement yesterday, Premier Ranj Pillai condemned the tariffs, calling them a “blatant attack” on Canada’s economy and sovereignty.
Effective immediately, the Yukon Liquor Corporation will halt new purchases of U.S.-made beer, wine and spirits while private retailers can continue selling existing stock.
The territorial government will also begin reviewing procurement policies to minimize purchases from U.S. companies.
Pillai urged Yukoners to support Canadian businesses by buying local and vacationing within Canada. He encouraged retailers to highlight Canadian-made products to help consumers shift away from U.S. goods.
“These are significant actions, and we do not take them lightly,” said Pillai in a statement. “On behalf of Yukoners, I’m proud to stand with Team Canada against the Trump administration’s attack on our country, our sovereignty and our livelihoods.”
Pillai announced that this is the first phase of response.
