Both Manitoba and Saskatchewan are considering banning Russian booze from government-run liquor stores in response to recent developments in Ukraine鈥檚 Crimea region.
Ron Schuler, a Manitoba Tory MLA and Liquor Control Commission critic, proposed a ban in the provincial legislature on Wednesday.
鈥淲e as Manitobans will take a small stand and maybe just a symbolic stand, but we鈥檙e going take a stand against tyranny,鈥�
The province鈥檚 liquor control board lists three products made in Russia: Black Stallion Vodka; Russian Standard Vodka; and Baltika No. 7 beer.
The ruling NDP government says it is not opposed to banning the products and will look further into the issue.
鈥淲e want to make sure that whatever we do doesn鈥檛 hurt more than it helps,鈥� Manitoba NDP cabinet minister . 鈥淲e鈥檙e waiting on the direction from the federal government.鈥�
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is also considering banning Russian products in his province鈥檚 government-run liquor stores. While Wall says he doesn鈥檛 know what the public appetite is for the move, he says he thought it was an idea worth considering when senior staff members brought it forward. Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority stores currently carry Russian Standard Vodka.
While the move in both provinces might send a strong message, some business owners are concerned more bans on Russia-made products could follow.
Mike Sverdlov, the owner of the Russian Deli Market in Winnipeg, carries numerous Russian products. But he says he鈥檚 more concerned for people living in Russia than he is for his own business.
鈥淚t鈥檚 people working to make these products,鈥� he . 鈥淧eople going to lose, maybe his work place, because this product will be sold less.鈥�
and The Canadian Press
