Toronto/CMEDIA: A first-of-its-kind agreement to reportedly facilitate consumers to purchase alcohol directly from the other province’s local producers — including breweries, wineries and distilleries — was signed today by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.
This agreement breaks down barriers to interprovincial trade and facilitates direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales between the provinces.
Besides giving consumers greater choice and convenience, this agreement would also create more opportunities for producers.
“With President Trump taking direct aim at Ontario companies and workers…more important to boost interprovincial trade and support local businesses…Ontario is leading the way to unlock free trade within Canada…means Nova Scotia residents can conveniently purchase any of their favourite Ontario craft beers, wines and more, while Ontario residents will be able to buy the very best Nova Scotia has to offer,” said Premier Doug Ford.
Prior to the agreement, Ontario consumers were only allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from another province subject to being listed by the LCBO, ordered via the LCBO’s Private Ordering Program or bought in another province and transported by the purchaser to Ontario for personal use.
Authorizations would be issued to Nova Scotia producers in the coming weeks to provide direct access to consumers in Ontario to purchase their favourite Nova Scotia spirits, wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages online and have them delivered to their doors.
Ontario will continue to lead the way for a pan-Canadian DTC sales framework for alcohol products.
“Nova Scotia is committed to dismantling internal trade barriers, piece by piece, but my goal is to have free trade, nationwide…that will give our local producers more access to Ontario markets and open a broader customer base…so that our companies have more opportunities and customers have more choice,” said Premier Tim Houston.
This would also enable producers in Nova Scotia and Ontario Starting tomorrow, to begin applying for the necessary authorizations to sell in each province, giving greater market access to Ontario and Nova Scotia’s producers.
“Ontario’s vibrant alcohol sector and beverage alcohol manufacturers are an important part of our economy…I am pleased that Ontario and Nova Scotia are partnering to set a precedent for other provinces …in a way that works for consumers and businesses, and is consistent and fair to Ontario producers,”said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.
Today’s agreement would also allow signing agreements with 10 other provinces and territories to help unlock $200 billion in economic growth.
A pan-Canadian DTC sales framework for Canadian alcohol products would be launched by Ontario’s continuous efforts with other provinces and territories.
Ontario’s Liquor Control Board (LCBO) and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) will authorize producers — under the agreement — from the other province to sell directly to the reciprocating jurisdiction’s consumers who may purchase their beverage of choice for personal consumption.
A mark-up structure ensuring fairness and competitiveness for domestic producers would soon be Implemented by both Ontario and Nova Scotia aligning with existing domestic tax rates.
The Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025 was passed last year which includes legislative changes to enable a framework for DTC sales of alcohol.
Ontario and 10 other jurisdictions have signed since July 2025 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing them to advance pan-Canadian DTC alcohol sales with an implementation deadline of May 2026.
Economic cooperation MOUs with seven provinces has also been signed by Ontario including commitments to work together on bilateral DTC frameworks.
