Ontario and Nova Scotia Sign Historic Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Agreement
Deal will remove barriers to free trade between provinces, supporting consumer choice and economic growth
On March 2, 2026, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to allow consumers to purchase alcohol directly from the other province’s local producers, including breweries, wineries and distilleries. Allowing direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales between the provinces is part of the province’s plan to tear down barriers to interprovincial trade, which will give consumers greater choice and convenience, while creating more opportunities for producers.
“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,” said Premier Doug Ford. “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.”
Before the agreement, Ontario consumers could only purchase alcoholic beverages from another province if they were 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. In the coming weeks, authorizations will begin to be issued to Nova Scotia producers to provide consumers in Ontario with direct access to conveniently 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,” said Premier Tim Houston. “This agreement is a stepping stone that will give our local producers more access to Ontario markets and open a broader customer base. We will continue to work with other provinces and territories to reach agreements so that our companies have more opportunities and customers have more choice.”
Starting tomorrow, producers in Nova Scotia and Ontario will be able to begin applying for the necessary authorizations to sell in each province, giving greater market access to Ontario and Nova Scotia’s producers and giving consumers the ability to conveniently purchase their favourite Ontario alcoholic beverages in Nova Scotia and their favourite Nova Scotia alcoholic beverages in Ontario.
“Ontario’s vibrant alcohol sector and beverage alcohol manufacturers are an important part of our economy, and we are committed to seeing them grow and thrive while consumers get greater access to their choice of alcohol beverages,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “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.”
Today’s agreement builds on Ontario’s leadership in strengthening internal trade and expanding economic cooperation within Canada, signing agreements with 10 other provinces and territories to help unlock $200 billion in economic growth. Ontario will continue to work with other provinces and territories to launch a pan-Canadian DTC sales framework for Canadian alcohol products.
Quick Facts
- Under the agreement, Ontario’s Liquor Control Board (LCBO) and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) will authorize producers from the other province to sell directly to the reciprocating jurisdiction’s consumers, who may purchase their beverage of choice for personal consumption.
- Ontario and Nova Scotia will both implement a mark-up structure that ensures fairness and competitiveness for domestic producers and aligns with existing domestic tax rates.
- Last year, Ontario passed the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025, which includes legislative changes to enable a framework for DTC sales of alcohol.
- Since July 2025, Ontario and 10 other jurisdictions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing them to advance pan-Canadian DTC alcohol sales with an implementation deadline of May 2026.
- Ontario has also signed economic cooperation MOUs with seven provinces that include commitments to work together on bilateral DTC frameworks.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love