California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff pleaded with Quebec Premier Christine Frechette to return American products to SAQ shelves, but she refused.
In a letter dated June 24, Mr. Schiff praised the history of trade relations between the two territories and asked his colleague to reconsider boycotting American products in response to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
“Quebec consumers have historically benefited from access to a wide range of American wines, and their absence limits their choices while cutting ties to a $434 million market,” we read.
The American elected official, in particular, notes that the United States until recently represented a third of imports into Quebec.
“Reopening this market to American wines would return these opportunities to consumers and would signal a commitment to restoring fair and balanced exchanges between Quebecers and California vineyards that are not tied to trade disputes,” the report said.
“I hope to visit you on this and other issues during my official visit to Canada in October of this year,” the senator adds. I welcome the opportunity to dialogue and work together on a resolution. »
Mr. Schiff added more Thursday in a post on X, where he asked Ottawa to end the boycott.
“I call on the Canadian government to recognize that California does not support these tariff wars, lift these restrictions, and empower consumers to strengthen both of our economies,” he wrote.
However, the decision to offer or not offer certain alcoholic products remains with the provinces.
In a statement emailed to QMI, Christine Frechette’s office said the Quebec government’s position remains unchanged.
“This measure will remain in effect as long as the United States maintains these unreasonable tariffs,” it said. Our government will reconsider its position when the American administration reconsiders these measures. »
The issue of boycotted American alcohol continues to roil south of the border.
In addition to numerous calls to return products to shelves, like Senator Schiff’s, across all political affiliations, a Republican bill was introduced earlier this week that would hold Canada accountable for restrictions deemed “unfair” on American alcohol.
Only stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan currently offer American alcoholic beverages on their shelves.