Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is preparing for potential economic challenges as tensions rise over U.S. tariff threats. The Premier is considering launching a formal campaign to encourage Manitobans to purchase local products in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal of a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods. Kinew emphasizes the need for a strong Canadian response if tariffs are enacted, aiming to protect Manitoba's economy and support those affected.
Kinew's strategy involves diplomacy and recent border security upgrades, which he hopes will prevent the imposition of tariffs. However, should tariffs be applied, Kinew insists that Canada's response must be firm and impactful.
“If tariffs get applied, Canada’s response has to be noticed. We can’t be a punching bag,” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stated.
“And we have to get our elbows up and let other folks know that we’re in the ring there too.”
The potential impact of U.S. tariffs is significant, given that Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corp. imports approximately six percent of its alcohol products from the United States. Since 2022, the corporation has removed Russian products from its shelves due to geopolitical tensions, showcasing its responsiveness to international events.
Kinew has pledged support for businesses and individuals adversely impacted by tariffs, contemplating measures such as deferred tax payments.
“The thinking there is … if we can help to just allow people to have a bit of a bridge to more economic stability in the future by delaying the collection of, say, retail sales tax or potentially corporate taxes, then that’s one concrete way that we could help,” he explained.
In contrast, Kelvin Goertzen of the Opposition Progressive Conservatives highlighted other provinces' strategies, including Ontario's plans to ban U.S. alcohol imports or reduce energy exports as potential retaliatory measures. Goertzen calls for clarity on Manitoba's potential responses.
“We … need to know what could those retaliatory measures be, so that Manitobans and others and industry could prepare themselves for that,” Goertzen remarked.
Gerry Sul noted that even if U.S. products were removed from shelves, Manitobans would still enjoy a wide range of options.
“If there was ever to be some decision that saw the removal of U.S.-based products, I believe Manitoban would still have lots of choice,” he commented.
Kinew is also scheduled to meet with Indigenous leaders to discuss their concerns about trade relations with the U.S., reflecting his comprehensive approach to addressing potential challenges.
