No booze for you ... at least not the kind that comes from the United States.
ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 the message the territorial government has sent to NWT residents for months. Back in March, it ended all procurement contracts involving American-based liquor products. When asked by SA国际影视传媒 how much money the GNWT has saved since then, Toyeke Adedipe, a senior communications officer with the Department of Finance, said there have been no cost savings from these measures.
"Liquor sales have remained steady since measures were implemented," she said.
Some stores still sell inventory purchased before the GNWT took action. People can also order liquor from outside the NWT online, up to certain quantities, Adedipe noted.
The GNWT says it implemented this measure in response to U.S. President Donald TrumpSA国际影视传媒檚 tariffs on Canada. Adedipe explained it is doing this to complement the federal governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 counter-tariff response.
"This is consistent with efforts to place pressure on the U.S. government to reverse their trade action on Canada," said Adedipe. "The GNWT will continue to closely monitor counter-tariff measures in support of the SA国际影视传媒楾eam CanadaSA国际影视传媒� approach with federal, provincial and territorial counterparts. Until then, no new U.S.-produced liquor will be purchased as inventory for sale in NWT liquor stores."
In a separate statement, Adedipe said that now more than ever, itSA国际影视传媒檚 important to support Canadian and local businesses while creating new opportunities for Northerners.
"The GNWT is actively supporting buying Canadian by encouraging businesses and residents to purchase Canadian and local goods and services to keep our economy strong," she said.
The procurement halt has impacted local businesses. But for some, it's worth it to support the country.
Mark Henry, president of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce and owner of Copperhouse Restaurant, said he aligns with the 'Team Canada' philosophy.
Asked if Copperhouse ever relied on U.S.-based liquor, Henry said, "100 per cent."
"We're very much affected," he said. "Our whole wine list had to be redone.SA国际影视传媒�
Henry specifically mentioned California wine and Kentucky bourbons as examples of liquor Copperhouse can no longer purchase, as it sources all its liquor through the GNWT.
However, since Copperhouse still has some American liquor in stock from before the ban, the restaurant has been able to serve it upon request, Henry explained.
In contrast, Henry noted that some customers have refused certain liquors at Copperhouse due to their ties to the U.S.
"We've had customers that will refuse, out of spite to the U.S., to drink that wine," he said.
Despite the GNWT's actions affecting how Copperhouse does business, Henry said the current actions of the U.S. will significantly impact Canada, both economically and in terms of sovereignty.
"This is unparalleled in my lifetime," he said. "To make the relatively minor sacrifice to align with national interest SA国际影视传媒� that's a minor adjustment for us," said Henry.
He also noted there have been no major financial impacts to Copperhouse because of the ban.
The restaurant offers a variety of wines from Canada and others from around the world. But Henry's favourite drink, and CopperhouseSA国际影视传媒檚 most popular request, is a beer: Kick Sled, which is made by the NWT Brewing Company.
Robert Eggenberger, operations manager of the city's downtown liquor store, told SA国际影视传媒 itSA国际影视传媒檚 been business as usual ever since the ban on U.S. liquor.
"I had one person tell me Canadian wine is pretty nice," he said.
