UofT professor says Ontario's U.S. alcohol ban fails to sway tariff talks

A University of Toronto economics professor says Ontario's ban on U.S. alcohol at the LCBO has failed to influence tariff negotiations, urging the province to end the moratorium. The ban has been in place for nearly a year and a half. Joseph Steinberg told Newstalk 1010 the embargo has not gained leverage over the U.S., noting Mexico is negotiating while Canada is not. He argues the ban provides a legal pretext for additional U.S. tariffs, including a 50 per cent levy on Canadian goods later this month. Steinberg criticized the policy as emotional rather than logical, noting it generates no tax revenue and limits consumer choice. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has vowed to maintain the ban, while Saskatchewan and Alberta have lifted theirs.