Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai speaking at the 2024 Western Premiers Conference in Whitehorse in June. Photo Courtesy: Macklen Linke CKRW
Whitehorse, YT – Premier Ranj Pillai condemned the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, calling it “unjustified and short-sighted,” while announcing a series of countermeasures to mitigate the impact on businesses and Yukoners.
Effective immediately, the Yukon Liquor Corporation will halt orders for U.S.-made alcohol and remove American products from government liquor stores though existing stock will remain available to licensees.
The government will also revise procurement policies to prioritize local and non-U.S. companies.
To help businesses navigate the economic uncertainty, $1 million will be allocated, with flexible support tailored to the needs of businesses. Yukon will also support “Buy Yukon” campaigns and work to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.
Premier Pillai says in a statement that the government is working on developing a second round of responses to the tariffs “should they continue down this destructive path.”
“The United States is our most important trading partner and Canada’s closest friend and ally, but this is not how you treat your friends. To our friends and family in Alaska: our lives and economies are interconnected, and we hope you will continue to visit our territory and experience all that it has to offer,” said Pillai in a statement.
