The directive issued by Alberta’s Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) in March halting the purchase of American-made video lottery terminals (VLTs) and slot machines has been lifted.
On June 6, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Reduction, Dale Nally, as well as the AGLC, announced the end of the suspension on buying alcohol and gaming equipment from US-based suppliers. In a statement on Friday night, Nally commented that the move shows a new commitment to open and fair trade with the US.
“The decision sets the stage for more constructive negotiations ahead of a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement renewal, potentially leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth for Alberta.”
Alberta Was Just One of the Canadian Provinces to Boycott US Imports
Fighting against US President Donald Trump when he slapped 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Premier Danielle Smith announced a procurement ban on American alcohol and gambling machines in March.
Despite the US government delaying the implementation of the new tariffs, Alberta proceeded with restricting purchases with support services in Alberta, Canada, or other countries with free trade agreements, according to the March 6 directive from AGLC.
In the same light, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also directed Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) to get VLT and slot machine upgrades from suppliers outside the US, despite $43 million worth of US-sourced VLTs and slots being due for upgrades at the time. He also directed the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gambling Authority (SLGA) to halt the purchase of US-made alcohol and prioritize Canadian suppliers.
Commenting on the March 5 directive, Moe said:
“These extraordinary measures are a direct response to President Trump’s unjustified tariffs and a direct attack on the Canadian economy. This decision was not made lightly, but the Government of Saskatchewan has always and will always stand up for Saskatchewan’s interests and protect our jobs, our economy and our residents.”
Out west, British Columbia Premier David Eby said the province, including crown corporations like the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), will implement a new purchase policy of prioritizing Canadian-made products, then non-US sources, with an exemption if no non-American alternative can be found for certain equipment. BCLC also clarified that the directive applied to new procurement contracts for goods and services, not upgrades. Premier Eby’s March 4 statement stated:
“Effective immediately, BC Liquor Stores will be pulling all red-state liquor products off the shelf and will not order any more. Here at home, the government, including Crown corporations and health authorities, will be buying Canadian first, then non-U.S. products. This is something that we can’t do ordinarily because of trade agreements with the United States. Finally, we’re going to make sure support is in place so B.C. businesses can pivot to global and domestic markets.”
On the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston banned American companies from bidding on provincial contracts. The province also looked into cancelling existing agreements and rejecting US bids altogether. He said:
“We will immediately limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses. They can no longer bid on provincial business. We are also actively seeking options to cancel existing contracts and reject bids outright until President Trump removes his unlawful tariffs.”
In Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew introduced the Buy Canadian Act, which amended the Government Purchases Act. It put in place a government-wide Canadian sourcing policy and allowed preferential treatment for Canadian suppliers in procurement decisions.
While provinces like Ontario did not issue any directives in response to the new tariffs, only Alberta and Saskatchewan have since lifted their bans on US imports.
Lift on US Imports Procurement Ban Ahead of CUSMA Revie
Alberta’s move to lift the ban on US imports comes in the lead-up to the 2026 mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), first negotiated during U.S. president Donald Trump’s first term in office.
Minister Nally said the province is ending its procurement freeze to have “more constructive negotiations” with the Americans before the six-year review. In an official statement, Nally said:
“Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta’s government supports this approach. We are focused on highlighting Alberta’s role as a responsible and collaborative trading partner and will continue working alongside other provinces to advocate for a tariff-free relationship.”
The three CUSMA signatories have already started domestic preparations for the 2026 joint review, which could open up changes or renegotiations on key parts of the agreement. Trade officials and industry groups in all three countries will be key players in shaping each government’s negotiating asks.
Canadian-based Suppliers Still Encouraged
Minister Nally says Alberta’s new access to U.S. imports shouldn’t overshadow support for local manufacturers. He encouraged Canadians to keep buying local whenever they can, even as American products come back into the market.
This is a shift in the province’s trade approach — from symbolic opposition to a more practical approach to long term stability and relationships with both domestic and global partners.
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