Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca called on the LCBO to drop all Russian alcoholic beverages from its shelves following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a letter sent to LCBO chair George Soleas on Friday, Del Duca demanded that the province-owned Crown corporation halt all trade with Russia until Russian forces withdraw.

Del Duca wrote, "The LCBO is one of the world's largest purchasers of alcohol." "Imported spirits, including Russian vodka brands, are among your most popular products. I urge you to remove all Russian-made products from your shelves until this Russian aggression ends."

On Thursday, all parties in the legislature at Queen's Park unanimously condemned Russia's violent invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford also spoke out, saying Canada "will never back down from standing against tyranny."

In the same context, the federal government announced yesterday tougher sanctions on Russia following its invasion, which was condemned by most of the international community.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that Canada's trade with Russia is relatively small, but the government said the collective sanctions imposed by the world will be painful.

However, Del Duca said more should be done locally.

Del Duca wrote to George Soleas: "Ontario and the LCBO cannot truly say they stand with Ukraine while continuing to be Putin's customers."

So far, no LCBO official has commented on the letter.

Editing: Dima Abu Khair