Ontario and Nova Scotia Sign Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Trade Agreement

Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston formalized the agreement today, enabling consumers in each province to purchase alcohol directly from producers in the other jurisdiction, including breweries, wineries and distilleries.

“With President Trump taking direct aim at Ontario companies and workers, it has never been more important to boost interprovincial trade and support local businesses,” Premier Ford said. “Ontario is leading the way to unlock free trade within Canada. Our agreement 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.”

Expanded Market Access for Producers

Under the new framework, producers in both provinces can begin applying for the required authorizations starting March 3. Once approved, Nova Scotia producers will be able to sell directly to Ontario consumers online and deliver products to their homes. The same applies to Ontario producers selling to customers in Nova Scotia.

I welcomed my friend Premier @TimHoustonNS to Queen’s Park today to sign a first-of-its-kind agreement that will allow alcohol producers in Ontario and Nova Scotia to sell directly to customers in each province.

In the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we’re tearing down… pic.twitter.com/KEJliaAvNS

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 2, 2026

Previously, Ontario consumers could only purchase alcohol from another province if it was listed by the LCBO, ordered through the LCBO’s Private Ordering Program, or physically transported into Ontario by the purchaser for personal use.

The agreement authorizes the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) to oversee approvals for producers seeking direct sales access.

“Nova Scotia is committed to dismantling internal trade barriers, piece by piece, but my goal is to have free trade, nationwide,” said Premier Houston. “This agreement is a stepping stone that will give our local producers more access to Ontario markets and open a broader customer base.”

Aligning with Ontario’s Internal Trade Strategy

The agreement aligns with Ontario’s broader push to strengthen internal trade amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. In 2025, Ontario passed the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, enabling a legislative framework for DTC alcohol sales.

Since July 2025, Ontario and 10 other provinces and territories have signed a memorandum of understanding committing to advance a pan-Canadian DTC alcohol framework, with an implementation target of May 2026. Ontario has also signed bilateral economic cooperation agreements with seven provinces that include commitments to develop DTC sales pathways.

Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, said the province’s alcohol sector plays a key role in the economy.

“I am pleased that Ontario and Nova Scotia are partnering to set a precedent for other provinces to follow by enhancing interprovincial trade of alcoholic beverages in a way that works for consumers and businesses, and is consistent and fair to Ontario producers,” Bethlenfalvy said.

Mark-Up Structure and Regulatory Fairness

Both provinces will implement a mark-up structure designed to ensure fairness and competitiveness for domestic producers while aligning with existing domestic tax rates.

The agreement is positioned as a pilot model that could be expanded nationwide if additional provinces adopt similar reciprocal frameworks.

Ontario officials have repeatedly cited internal trade barriers as a drag on economic growth, estimating that reducing such barriers could unlock up to $200 billion in economic activity across Canada.

With authorizations expected to roll out in the coming weeks, consumers in Ontario and Nova Scotia could soon have expanded access to a broader selection of Canadian-made alcohol products delivered directly to their doors.

GTA Weekly will continue to track developments in interprovincial trade and their impact on Ontario businesses and consumers.