MONTREAL — Actor Kiefer Sutherland expressed hope for an end to the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States. He described the situation as unfortunate and emphasized the importance of restoring friendly relations. "I've never met a single U.S. citizen who didn't love Canada," said Sutherland, a British-Canadian who splits his time between the two countries.

During a recent visit to Montreal, Sutherland highlighted Canada's loyalty as a friend and ally to the U.S. He dismissed the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state as "silly." He stated, "I just hope sooner than later things can go back to normal, and we can be friends."

Sutherland was in Montreal to announce the expansion of his Red Bank Whisky into the Quebec market. He co-founded the whisky brand in Nova Scotia in 2022 with three friends after discussing the idea around a campfire. Red Bank Whisky is now available in every Canadian province and the United Kingdom, with plans to enter other markets, including Mexico. However, Sutherland noted that selling in the U.S. is not economically viable due to the trade war. "It's impacted our business to the degree that we have not launched in the United States," he said. "We will take our time, and we will wait."

Following the signing of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, Canada lifted its 25% retaliation tariffs on U.S. goods, including alcohol. These tariffs were initially implemented by Prime Minister Mark Carney in March but were removed this week in light of the new trade deal, which allows most Canadian goods to enter the U.S. tariff-free. Despite this, Canada continues to maintain counter tariffs on American steel, aluminum, and automobiles, as the U.S. still imposes tariffs on those sectors. Additionally, many liquor commissions in Canada still have bans on U.S. alcohols.

Sales of American spirits, including whisky, in Canada dropped by 66% between March and April, according to Spirits Canada, a national trade association. While promoting his whisky brand, Sutherland acknowledged his past struggles with alcohol, including a drunk driving charge in 2007 that resulted in a two-month jail sentence. "I had a number of incidents when I was younger, some 25 years ago, where I made mistakes, and I had an incident where I got a DUI," he said. "I don't put myself in those positions anymore... I've learned some things and I've moved forward."

Sutherland clarified that he is not boycotting American whiskies, stating he simply does not enjoy them. He expressed a preference for Canadian whiskies, which he described as smoother, drier, and unique in their wheat and rye content.