Manitoba is taking out American alcohol worth a million dollars that had been kept aside during the trade conflict with the U.S. The province plans to sell the liquor before Christmas and donate the proceeds to holiday charities, including the Winnipeg Cheer Board, Brandon Cheer Board, and organizations in Thompson.
Starting next Monday, private retailers, liquor service providers, rural vendors, wine stores, restaurants, and lounges will commence the sale of the alcohol. The American products will be available for purchase in Liquor Marts across Manitoba on December 10, with a total of twelve stores participating in Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin, Thompson, Steinbach, and Portage la Prairie.
According to Glen Simard, the minister of municipal and northern relations, this action is a temporary initiative influenced by other provinces and is part of a strategy to express discontent with the U.S. while maintaining a compassionate approach. The minister mentioned that the value of the products amounts to a million dollars and encouraged Manitobans to support both American and local products.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is in the process of finalizing the specific products that will be available for sale, promising customers access to top-selling American wine and spirits brands. However, American beer and ready-to-drink brands will only be accessible to restaurants, bars, and private retailers for business purposes. It is important to note that not all products will be available at every location, and some items may sell out without restocking. All sales will be final, and returns will not be accepted.
The province estimates that the sales will generate $500,000 for charities until December 24. Shawna Bell, the executive director of the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that it would significantly benefit those in need by providing more food and toys during the holiday season.
Furthermore, Derek Johnson, a Progressive Conservative MLA, emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian products and suggested that the proceeds from the sales should be directed towards charitable causes. Overall, the move to sell American alcohol for charity purposes has garnered support from various individuals in Winnipeg, who appreciate the philanthropic aspect of the initiative.