OTTAWA — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked provinces to restock American alcohol on their shelves as Canada finalizes a trade deal with the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he would put a three-day pause on 50 per cent tariffs that would have hit an array of Canadian goods just after midnight Wednesday.

Carney, who briefed premiers about the draft deal Wednesday, says the deal it builds on Canada’s existing trade advantages with the U.S.

Eight provinces have banned the sale of U.S. alcohol for more than a year in retaliation for previous U.S. tariff.

The Trump administration had cited the booze ban, Canada’s dairy supply management system and tariff-free auto quotas as prime reasons for the tariff plan.

Houston says the “core elements” of supply management are set to remain intact under the agreement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2026.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press