Kiefer Sutherland hopes Canada and U.S. can go back to being friends

MONTREAL – Actor Kiefer Sutherland says the ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. is unfortunate, saying he hopes the disagreements soon come to an end.

“I’ve never met a single U.S. citizen who didn’t love Canada,” said the British-Canadian actor, who lives between the two countries. 

Speaking to the Canadian Press during a visit to Montreal, Sutherland said Canada has been a “very loyal friend and ally” to the U.S., and described suggestions about Canada becoming a 51st state as “silly.”

“I just hope sooner than later things can go back to normal, and we can be friends.”

The star of the Fox drama series “24” turned whisky entrepreneur was in Montreal to announce the expansion of his own Red Bank Whisky into the Quebec market.

Sutherland co-founded the Red Bank Whisky in Nova Scotia in 2022 alongside three fishing buddies of his, after reminiscing about the idea together around a campfire.

The whisky, now available in every Canadian province, is also sold in the United Kingdom. It is expected to be available in other markets, including Mexico soon, but Sutherland says it is not economically viable to sell it in the U.S. due to the ongoing 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.”

Since the signing of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement trade agreement, Canada has dropped its 25 per cent retaliation tariffs against the U.S., which included American alcohols like whisky.

Prime Minister Mark Carney first implemented them in March, but dropped them this week in recognition of the deal, which now allows most Canadian goods to enter the country tariff free.

Canada is still maintaining its counter tariffs on American steel, aluminum, and automobiles, however, as the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on those sectors.

Bans on U.S. alcohols still remain in effect in many liquor commissions across the country. Between March and April, sales of American spirits in Canada like whisky fell by 66 per cent, according to Spirits Canada, a national trade association.

While promoting his company, Sutherland acknowledged he struggled with alcohol in the past, but had learned from his mistakes. He served about two months in a California jail following a 2007 drunk driving charge.

“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 any more… I’ve learned some things and I’ve moved forward.”

Meantime, the entrepreneur said he’s not personally boycotting any American whiskies — saying he doesn’t need to, because he doesn’t personally enjoy drinking them. 

He said he prefers Canadian whiskies, even though he wasn’t initially a fan of them, which he says are smoother, drier, and unique in their wheat and rye content.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2025.