Trudeau resignation impacts on Manitoba Government

The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sent shockwaves across the country, and with the logistics of how the federal government will move forward still being determined, those here in Manitoba are asking: “How will this affect us?”

“It is the leaders of the provinces and the territories that are going to continue to hold the mantle,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in a Zoom call with reporters.

“We know that there’s an important conversation and negotiation that’s going to happen at the federal level, but so much of the trade, so much of the economic activity, so many of the jobs that are reliant on imports and exports happen at the state level,” he told reporters Monday.

“And we — as a trading province. We, as an agricultural province. We, as a manufacturing province — have really great relationships with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin.”

Premier Kinew addressed Trudeau’s announcement during a trip to North Dakota, emphasizing his continued work on trade relations with the U.S. despite the federal changes. 

Some pundits believe trade relations could actually improve with the Prime Minister stepping down.

“Manitoba is setting up a permanent consulate office in Washington D.C.,” said Christopher Adams, an adjunct professor in political studies at the University of Manitoba. 

“That’s a sense that Manitoba wants to be having a seat at the table dealing with the United States. And having that stability at the federal levels will help Wab Kinew’s dealing with the United States.”

That sentiment was echoed by some members of the Liberal caucus in Manitoba, who say a clear direction for the federal government can be beneficial, especially with President-Elect Donald Trump soon to begin his second term. 

“We have benefitted from a very, very good relationship since the new government came into place here in Manitoba,” said Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr. “I have no reason to believe that will not continue.”

“But, I do agree that getting some of the distraction out of the way, and allowing us to focus on the immense challenge that’s facing us, in terms of the incoming American administration and what they are toying with doing; is something that we have to be all hands on deck for.”

MP for Winnipeg North Kevin Lamoureux also said Trudeau stepping down is a step down the right path for the Libs.

“As opposed to the PM having to deal with the issue of whether or not he should continue on or not, the government is going to be fully focused on making sure that Canada and its best interests are well represented when Donald Trump assumes the office, and he will be able to become even that much more focused on it.”

CityNews reached out to several Manitoba MPs from opposition parties but did not immediately get a response. However, Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre called Trudeau “weak and afraid” for proroguing parliament as the Liberals selected a leader as opposed to calling an election.