Premier Ford speaks on CNN on ongoing boycott of U.S. alcohol on Ontario shelves

Ontario Premier Doug Ford made appearances on U.S. television Thursday to talk about booze, speaking on CNN and ABC.

Ford was asked to respond to comments made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who called the continuing boycott of U.S. alcohol “insulting and disrespectful to America.”

“I guess what’s disrespectful, we never started this tariff war, and I don’t believe the American people did,” said Ford. “It was Secretary Locke next, followed by President Trump as well, that attacked our joint economies, because we’re so integrated. And if it wasn’t for Canada, the prices of oil would be going through the roof right now — you wouldn’t have the uranium for your nuclear capabilities, because it all comes from Canada.”

READ MORE: Doug Ford refuses to stock LCBO with U.S. alcohol until Trump drops tariffs

Ford said he welcomes any American who wants to visit Canada, and he would even “roll out the red carpet and welcome them with open arms.”

The premier posted on X at 4:36 p.m. Thursday a clip of his interview on ABC News, saying the fastest way to get American alcohol back on Ontario store shelves is for the U.S. to drop its tariffs on Canada.

The fastest way to get American alcohol back onto store shelves – and create jobs and opportunity in both our countries – is for the U.S. to drop its tariffs on Canada. pic.twitter.com/X3AHG8dHZ8

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 23, 2026

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