Alberta Resumes Procurement of US Alcohol and Gaming Machines following Tariff Protest Pause

Calgary(Rajeev Sharma): The province of Alberta has reinstated the purchase of U.S.-manufactured alcohol and video lottery terminals, merely three months after Premier Danielle Smith implemented restrictions in response to American tariffs on Canadian goods.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally confirmed the reversal, stating that the move reflects a “renewed commitment to open and fair trade” with the United States. In March, Premier Smith announced that Alberta would cease purchasing American alcohol and gaming equipment and suspend new contracts with U.S. companies. Although liquor stores in Alberta are privately operated, all products must be procured through the provincial government’s supply chain.
The initial decision followed the imposition of heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and energy exports by then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Several other premiers implemented similar bans and retaliatory measures.
According to Minister Nally, the policy shift “sets the stage for more constructive negotiations” as Canada prepares for the mandatory 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the continental trade pact originally negotiated under Trump’s first term.
With Prime Minister Mark Carney working to restore strong relations with the U.S. administration, Alberta’s government asserts its full support for a collaborative and diplomatic approach to trade. The province quietly lifted its procurement restrictions in April, a move the minister described as made “in the spirit of diplomacy.”
Nally stated that although U.S. products are back on shelves, Albertans are still encouraged to support local producers.