Manitoba politicians eye provincial ban on Russian vodka
Tories, NDP say banning Russian vodka in province a ‘valid’ idea
Manitoba politicians are open to the idea of banning Russian vodka from the province’s liquor stores.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine united Manitoba’s Tory opposition and the ruling NDP on Wednesday.
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Tory MLA Ron Schuler said his party stands with the NDP in condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine — and he also suggested the province ban Russian alcohol to make a statement.
Schuler floated the idea during question period Wednesday afternoon.
“Will the minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission commit today to removing all Russian produced products from the shelves of MLCC stores?” said Schuler. “Will he also suspend the sale of Russian produced products until the international crisis in Ukraine is resolved?”
Manitoba Minister Dave Chomiak said the suggestion is valid, and Manitoba is working with the federal government to determine how and when sanctions will apply to Russian products.
Last year, at least two Vancouver pubs and a number of California bars opted to ban Russian vodka after the country enacted a law that banned the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations."