Manitoba government promises trade office in U.S. capital to boost economy

The Manitoba government is pledging to set up a trade office in Washington, D.C., in the new year.

Premier Wab Kinew says he hasn’t yet picked an individual to lead it or set a budget, but hopes to have the office, which may include other staff, in place before the end of March.

The move would bring Manitoba in line with Ontario, Alberta and some other provinces that have full-time representatives in the U.S. capital.

Kinew says he takes the threat of tariffs from president-elect Donald Trump seriously, and the office would also promote investment opportunities in mining, aerospace and other sectors in Manitoba.

Kinew says the NDP government is also looking at financial incentives and reduced regulatory hurdles to attract more investment.

Loren Remillard, head of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, says he likes the trade office idea.

He says business leaders saw on a recent trip to Washington that provinces with a physical presence in the city have an advantage.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024