A sign promoting Canadian alcohol is pictured in a Liquor Mart store in this file photo. (MBLL.CA)
The Manitoba government is donating $2.6 million raised from the sale of American liquor products to support community organizations and holiday donation programs across the province.
Premier Wab Kinew announced the funds will be directed to groups providing food and gift assistance during the holiday season, including $1 million to the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board and $500,000 to Harvest Manitoba. Another $500,000 will support Brandon-area charities, including the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and regional partners.
Additional funding will go to the Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. to support community donation programs.
The liquor sales followed the province’s decision to pull U.S.-made alcohol from shelves in response to American tariffs earlier this year. Kinew said the initiative allowed the remaining inventory to be used to support Manitobans in need rather than remain in storage.
The province confirmed it will continue selling its remaining U.S. liquor inventory, expanding sales beyond select Liquor Marts, with future proceeds also being donated to charity.
No new U.S. liquor products will be ordered once the existing supply is depleted, the province says.
