Prime Minister Mark Carney says he’s not taking notes or instructions from the Americans on restarting trade talks and he’s willing to wait things out if need be.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’s determined not to put American booze back on the shelves at the province’s LCBO stores – the largest purchaser of beverage alcohol in the world – until American tariffs are lifted.

LILLEY: Canada must use leverage now in CUSMA trade negotiations Back to video

It’s good to see political leaders show backbone and resolve as both Carney and Ford are doing here.

That said, sometimes, it can pay to lean in and find a compromise to achieve your end goal.

Ontario’s booze ban has clearly struck a nerve with the Americans, and it was smart retaliation when the tariffs hit. The booze ban in Ontario and in every province except Alberta and Saskatchewan has become the number one irritant for the Americans – it’s hurting their producers, especially Kentucky bourbon makers and California’s wineries, and it’s sent a message.

Time to decide whether to send a messages or........

© Edmonton Sun