Ontario directs LCBO to remove all Russian-made products from shelves
The Ontario government has directed the LCBO to remove all products produced in Russia from store shelves.
"The people of Ontario will always stand against tyranny and oppression," Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said in a statement Friday afternoon. "We will continue to be there for the Ukrainian people during this extremely difficult time."
The LCBO is one of the world's largest buyers of booze, importing alcohol from 80 countries and carries at least six brands of Russian vodka.
In a statement Friday afternoon, the LCBO confirmed they would be removing Russian-made products effective immediately.
"All products produced in Russia will be removed from LCBO sales channels," the statement said. "The LCBO stands with Ukraine, its people, and the Ukrainian Canadian community here in Ontario."
This includes the LCBO's 679 stores, online sales, and the LCBO Convenience Outlets.
Premier Doug Ford said the discussion about removing Russian-made products began on Thursday, after the government noticed calls for boycotts on social media, and the LCBO received concerned comments from customers about products on store shelves.
A person walks past an LCBO in Ottawa, Thursday March 19, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca also wrote a letter to LCBO President George Soleas asking him to pull several brands of Russian vodka from store shelves to show support for Ukraine.
"Any and all means of cutting off Russia's economy should be considered. Both provincially and federally," Del Duca said.
In 2021, the provincially owned liquor retailer removed a vodka brand from its 660 stores following complaints that the product’s name resembled that of the Soviet Union dictator Joseph Stalin.
At that time Ontario's Ukrainian community sent letters to the LCBO to stop the sale of Stalinskaya Silver Vodka made in Romania, saying the name stirs up dreaded memories associated with the Soviet Union and Stalin.
Meanwhile, Ford is calling for the federal government to accelerate the process of accepting more Ukrainian refugees that are fleeing the chaos in their country.
"These are brave women and men who more than anything need safe harbour right now," Ford said.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING 'Difficult decision to step back': Former B.C. premier Christy Clark will not run for Liberal leadership
Former B.C. premier Christy Clark will not run in the Liberal leadership race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she said Tuesday.
BREAKING
BREAKING Princess of Wales says her cancer is in remission
The Princess of Wales said that her cancer is in remission Tuesday, following a visit to hospital where she received treatment earlier this year.
'It's not going to be good': Ford says Trump's tariffs could cost Ontario 500,000 jobs
Premier Doug Ford says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs on Canadian goods could result in the loss of 500,000 jobs in Ontario, creating the need for billions of dollars in stimulus spending.
BREAKING
BREAKING Montreal Canadiens forward Emil Heineman struck and injured by vehicle
Montreal Canadien forward Emil Heineman was struck and hit by a vehicle on Monday and will be out around a month.
'We can live our lives again without worrying': Ontario man relieved after insurance company agrees to pay $620,000 hospital bill
An Ontario man who received a $620,000 medical bill from a Florida hospital is now relieved that his insurance company has reversed its decision and decided to pay the bill.
Michelle Obama will not attend Trump's inauguration
Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.
Mark Carney tells Jon Stewart the Liberal party has 'a chance' after Trudeau's resignation
Days ahead of his expected Liberal leadership campaign launch, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to step down boosts the party's chance in the next general election.
Curler Briane Harris not at fault for anti-doping rule violation, provisional ban lifted
Canadian curler Briane Harris is eligible to return to the sport after an absence of nearly one year.
Calgary homeowner faces challenge after property assessment jumps 60%
Stan Valant, a long-time resident of Calgary's Silver Springs, is baffled by the city's recent assessment of his bi-level home.
Montreal
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Montreal Canadiens forward Emil Heineman struck and injured by vehicle
Montreal Canadien forward Emil Heineman was struck and hit by a vehicle on Monday and will be out around a month.
-
High school in Sorel-Tracy, Que. evacuated due to fire
A Quebec high school was evacuated due to a fire Tuesday morning.
-
Quebec concerned about border movement in the Swanton sector
The Legault government is concerned about the illegal migration taking place in the Swanton sector between Quebec and the United States, calling on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to place the necessary manpower there.
Ottawa
-
16 per cent of all photo radar, red light camera tickets in Ottawa issued on a 1 km stretch of road
King Edward Avenue is the hot spot for photo radar and red light camera tickets, with 16 per cent of all camera-related traffic tickets in Ottawa issued to drivers on a one-kilometre stretch of the road in Lowertown.
-
Lack of chargers a top concern for EV owners, but most would still buy another: CAA
A new survey of thousands of electric vehicle (EV) owners suggests that a lack of accessible charging stations is their main concern, but most would still buy another when the time comes.
-
Driver killed in 2-vehicle crash on Hwy. 17 in Ottawa Valley
Emergency crews responded to a crash involving a minivan and a tractor-trailer on Highway 17, between Mountain Road and Sutherland Road, at 2:45 a.m. The crash occurred on the highway between Cobden and Pembroke.
Northern Ontario
-
A B.C. man won a $2M jackpot. Members of his workplace lotto pool took him to court
A dispute over a $2 million jackpot among members of a workplace lotto pool has been settled by B.C.'s Supreme Court.
-
Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as company reverses its open-door policy
If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something. Starbucks on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores.
-
'We can live our lives again without worrying': Ontario man relieved after insurance company agrees to pay $620,000 hospital bill
An Ontario man who received a $620,000 medical bill from a Florida hospital is now relieved that his insurance company has reversed its decision and decided to pay the bill.
Kitchener
-
Former Waterloo, Ont. principal sentenced to 4 years after admitting to explicit online conversations with teenagers
Last year, in a London court, Phillip Sallewsky pleaded guilty to a series of charges which included luring and transmitting sexually explicit material to someone believed to be under the age of 16.
-
Toronto man wanted in connection to shooting at Waterloo business
Jalen Belle-McCormack, 20, from Toronto, is currently wanted on a warrant in connection to a shooting at a Waterloo business on May 18, 2024.
-
Waterloo Region District School Board trustees call for public meetings on direction of the board
Two Waterloo Region District School Board trustees are calling for public meetings into the future direction of the board.
London
-
Convicted field party killer pleads guilty to weapons charge
The 23-year-old man convicted in the bush party shooting of a teenager was back in court again on Monday, this time pleading guilty to a weapons offence.
-
Grieving mother hopes to implement Life Jacket Loaner program in Elgin County
Ryan Davies and his friends were out for an early morning fishing trip in the man-made lake when the canoe tipped over. Two people were rescued, but Davies, 26, never resurfaced.
-
Jury shown police interview with accused charged in death of her mother
The jury at the manslaughter trial of a London woman charged in connection with the death of her mother in July of 2021, viewed forensic photos of the accused and a police interview conducted just hours after the incident.
Windsor
-
Vigil shines light on 26-year-old’s disappearance
Co-workers and customers gathered outside the workplace of a missing 26-year-old woman Monday evening to bring light to her disappearance.
-
Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line completed a head of schedule
The Ontario government and Hydro One announced on Monday that the construction on the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line had been completed one year ahead of schedule.
-
Alleged thieves use garage door openers to break into south Windsor homes
One suspect was arrested and police are seeking another suspect after several residential break-ins and car thefts in south Windsor.
Barrie
-
Talk show legends, country music icon, and pop stars coming to Casino Rama
Casino Rama will welcome a couple of talk show legends, Canada’s first lady of country music, and take you back to the 2000s with three newly added shows.
-
Former Sears store in Barrie to be home to new Pickleball facility
The north-end of Barrie is soon to be home to a new Pickleball sports facility.
-
How to spot a lynx: Tips from local wildlife sanctuary
The lynx, like many other winter creatures, is born for the snow. Here are some things to watch for during an unusual sighting.
Winnipeg
-
Kinew government unveils homelessness strategy led by Siloam Mission executive director
The Kinew government has released a blueprint aimed at ending chronic homelessness in the province by 2031.
-
Curler Harris not at fault for anti-doping rule violation, provisional ban lifted
Canadian curler Briane Harris is eligible to return to the sport after an absence of nearly one year.
-
Survey: Nearly half in Manitoba, Saskatchewan on the financial brink
A new MNP consumer debt report done by Ipsos said in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, nearly half, 49 per cent of people, say they are $200 or less away from not being able to pay their bills or their debt payments at the end of the month.
Atlantic
-
$30,000 worth of Maud Lewis artwork stolen from Halifax home
Police are investigating after someone stole tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of Maud Lewis artwork from a home in Halifax.
-
'I want answers': SPCA removes dead dogs from front porch of New Brunswick home
The New Brunswick SPCA is investigating after the bodies of four dogs were removed from the front porch of a home in Bass River, N.B., Monday morning.
-
Saint John police seek woman in connection with armed robbery at lounge
The Saint John Police Force is asking for the public's help in identifying a woman they say is a person of interest in connection with an armed robbery.
N.L.
-
Heavy equipment used to bash into a Newfoundland bank for second time in a month
Police in eastern Newfoundland say that for the second time in less than a month thieves have used heavy equipment to smash into a bank and steal an ATM.
-
Yvonne Jones, longtime Liberal MP for Labrador, retiring from federal politics
Liberal MP Yvonne Jones speaks to reporters before a meeting of the Liberal women's caucus, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Jones announced this morning that she will not be running in the next federal election for her seat in Labrador. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
-
Quebec energy deal touted as new chapter for Newfoundland and Labrador heads for vote
A draft energy deal with Quebec heralded as a game-changer for indebted Newfoundland and Labrador is heading for a vote Thursday night at the legislature in St. John's, N.L.
Edmonton
-
Mark Carney appears on 'The Daily Show,' sources say he plans to launch leadership bid in Edmonton
A big name with ties to the city is expected to launch his bid to become the leader of the federal Liberal party, two sources tell CTV News Edmonton.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING 'Difficult decision to step back': Former B.C. premier Christy Clark will not run for Liberal leadership
Former B.C. premier Christy Clark will not run in the Liberal leadership race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she said Tuesday.
-
Josh Classen's forecast: Warm for now, turning stormy Thursday
The warm spell continues for today and Wednesday with afternoon temperatures a handful of degrees above zero.
Calgary
-
Public hearing for Grassy Mountain coal mine resumes
A public hearing for the controversial Grassy Mountain coal mining project will resume in Calgary on Tuesday.
-
Mark Carney appears on 'The Daily Show,' sources say he plans to launch leadership bid in Edmonton
A big name with ties to the city is expected to launch his bid to become the leader of the federal Liberal party, two sources tell CTV News Edmonton.
-
Calgary councillor won't seek re-election in October
Evan Spencer, councillor for Calgary's Ward 12, will not be running for re-election later this year.
Regina
-
Sask. latest province to announce increased U.S. border security amid tariff threat
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced a new plan to enhance border security which will include redeploying officers to both the province's inter-provincial and international boundaries.
-
Saskatchewan Marshals Service interviewing Mounties for positions before launching
Saskatchewan's new provincial police force has begun interviewing Mounties as it prepares to launch this year, a move critics say highlights concerns of job poaching.
-
Survey: Nearly half in Manitoba, Saskatchewan on the financial brink
A new MNP consumer debt report done by Ipsos said in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, nearly half, 49 per cent of people, say they are $200 or less away from not being able to pay their bills or their debt payments at the end of the month.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. latest province to announce increased U.S. border security amid tariff threat
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced a new plan to enhance border security which will include redeploying officers to both the province's inter-provincial and international boundaries.
-
'Don't trust it': Saskatoon woman warns of potential scammers on Facebook Marketplace
A Saskatoon woman is warning others to use caution when doing business on buy and sell websites, after she was the target of a scammer.
-
Sask. teen who allegedly set classmate on fire scheduled to plea next month
A teen girl who allegedly set her classmate on fire is set to make a plea at Saskatoon Provincial Court next month.
Vancouver
-
Police watchdog investigating Victoria crash that injured driver, passenger
British Columbia's police watchdog is investigating after two people were injured in a car crash following an attempted police traffic stop in Victoria.
-
Christy Clark not running for federal Liberal leadership
Former B.C. premier Christy Clark has announced she won’t enter the race to replace outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, citing concerns about a potentially rushed campaign.
-
Metro Vancouver's housing market worsens, now pricing out even high earners: report
Getting into British Columbia’s pricey real estate market is becoming increasingly challenging for young people and singles.
Vancouver Island
-
Police watchdog investigating Victoria crash that injured driver, passenger
British Columbia's police watchdog is investigating after two people were injured in a car crash following an attempted police traffic stop in Victoria.
-
Stabbing, shooting under investigation on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast
Mounties on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast say they’re investigating a string of violent crimes that happened late last month and are asking for witnesses to come forward.
-
Ecotour grizzlies less likely to encounter conflict with humans, B.C. study suggests
Grizzly bears that visited ecotourism areas along a river on the province's central coast were less likely than others to encounter conflict with people in communities downstream, a new study by British Columbia-based researchers has found.
