Alberta resumes buying U.S. alcohol and gambling machines, months after pause meant to fight tariffs
Alberta is buying American alcohol and gambling machines again, three months after Premier Danielle Smith announced restrictions aimed at fighting back against U.S. tariffs.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally says the move signals a 'renewed commitment to open and fair trade' with the United States.
Smith said in March that the province would no longer buy U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals, or sign contracts with American companies.
That came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and energy.
Nally says the decision to resume buying U.S. alcohol and gambling machines 'sets the stage for more constructive negotiations' ahead of a renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.
Ontario, Manitoba reach internal trade agreement, promise alcohol sales deal by end of June
The minister says Albertans are encouraged to continue supporting local producers, even as more U.S. options return to store shelves.
Nally said in April that the province was pausing its policy around procurement from U.S. companies 'in the spirit of diplomacy.'
He said since the province's retaliatory measures were first announced in early March, the Trump administration had put a hold on further tariffs.
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