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The U.S. Is Banning Canadian Booze on Sept. 29 — Here's What It Means for Ontario's $1-Billion Industry

  LCBO shelves have been missing American bourbon and Napa wine since March 2025. In three weeks, the trade war flips direction — and this time it's Canadian producers, and the roughly 20,000 Ontarians who work for them, absorbing the hit. What's actually changing on Sept. 29 On Sept. 8, President Trump signed proclamations that ban a wide range of Canadian alcohol from entering the United States, effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 29. It's a different kind of measure than the tariffs Canadians have gotten used to reading about this year — this isn't a price increase, it's a door closed. Packaged beer, wine, cider, and spirits (including whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and mezcal) are covered, alongside whey products, molasses, non-alcoholic beer, and larger motorcycles. Canadian alcohol previously imported but not yet cleared for consumption before Sept. 29 stays under the existing 50% duty instead of the outright ban. The White House's proclamation points ...

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Hudson's Bay Faces Corporate Layoffs Amid Liquidation Process

 

Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), Canada's oldest retailer, has announced the termination of nearly 200 corporate employees as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. The layoffs, effective April 4, mark the first wave of job losses as the company moves forward with plans to liquidate the majority of its stores across Canada.

Earlier this month, HBC filed for creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, citing financial struggles and subdued consumer spending. The company has since begun liquidation sales in 73 of its 80 Hudson's Bay locations, along with several Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH stores.

Despite the corporate layoffs, store employees are being retained to manage clearance events, and both physical stores and the company's e-commerce platform remain operational. Hudson's Bay employed approximately 9,364 workers across Canada as of February 28, with 520 classified as corporate staff.

"This is a difficult reality of the restructuring process, and we are committed to treating associates impacted by these changes with respect and support," said Tiffany Bourré, spokesperson for HBC.

The liquidation process is expected to last until mid-June, significantly reducing the company's workforce and marking a challenging chapter in its storied history.

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