Since its announcement, several Saskatchewan brewers and distillers have voiced their support for a 50 per cent levy on alcohol imported from the U.S., in response to the 50 per cent tariff on Canadian alcohol the U.S. enacted on Aug. 22.
“From an industry perspective, it has been encouraging to see the steadfast supportive and united leadership from our provincial and federal governments as our country navigates trade volatility,” 9 Mile Legacy Brewing CEO Shawn Moen said. “Measures like this reflect existing consumer preferences for locally made products, send a message of reciprocity to our American trading partners and focus our efforts on the things that we do control in Saskatchewan: building our local economy and encouraging internal trade.”
“I like the fact that our premier and the Saskatchewan government are leaving it up to the consumer to make the decision, and the government’s not making it for them,” Sherwood Co-op CEO Troy Verboom said. “It is going to drive those prices up on the retail shelf and the consumer can once again make the decision.”
“The premier’s announcement [was] incredibly exciting news for the Saskatchewan craft alcohol industry,” Last Mountain Distillery CEO Meredith Schmidt said. “As a proud and accomplished whisky maker, we hope this announcement encourages more Saskatchewan people to try some of the amazing products made right here.”
“We appreciate Premier Moe’s support for a focused, Team Canada response,” Black Fox Farm & Distillery said in a statement.
“No one wins from a trade war, and ultimately, we all want to return to free and fair trade. But when Canadian businesses and the public are being asked to weather the consequences of tariffs, it is equally important that we stand behind the businesses, farmers and manufacturers producing exceptional products here at home. Saskatchewan is an exporting province by nature. We have always looked outward for strong, enduring and reciprocal partnerships. Saskatchewan produces world-class products, and this is an opportunity to make it easier for Canadians to choose Canadian. Perhaps the strongest response is not only what we tariff – it’s what we choose to support at home.”
“The tariff applied to U.S.-produced alcohol should give consumers another reflection point when choosing what alcohol they purchase,” Great Western Brewing Company CEO Michael Brennan said.
“This may give consumers of American-made wine and spirits a reason to return to beer, a product that uses an important Western Canadian ingredient: barley. While the majority of beer sold in this province is produced in Canada, the largest producers of beer are not, in fact, Canadian companies and the profits from their sale do not stay in Canada. I would hope this decision provides further reason for consumers to choose to support products that are produced in this province, and whose profits from operations are reinvested in Saskatchewan, such as the beers made by Great Western Brewing Company.”
Photo: View of Canadian craft beer cans on store shelf. Toronto, Canada – November 20, 2025. Credit: Erman Gunes / Shutterstock
