Manitoba to fund program to help manufacturers weather U.S. tariffs

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says the province wants to make it easier for businesses to weather the storm of U.S. tariffs that are to be placed on Canadian goods in the coming days.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on all foreign imports next week.

Kinew says the province is setting aside $1.5 million for the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters trade association to create a “made-in-Manitoba” program offering tariff response support for local businesses.

“The reality is we’re in a fight for manufacturing jobs in North America, and I’m not going to let Donald Trump take manufacturing jobs away from Manitoba,” the Premier said Thursday. “Our government has ordered the Manitoba provincial civil service, anytime we build something, anytime we buy something, anytime we acquire a piece of equipment, lets make sure its Canadian steel.”

Terry Shaw with the association says the program would provide manufacturers with tools they need to diversify markets, protect jobs and mitigate the impact of tariffs.

The province says the program would also promote business-to-business connections and financial support for tariff planning consultations. Kinew says he wants to stand up for Manitoba workers and businesses.

“When the tariffs were being bantered about and we knew they were thinking of it, the Premier was the first one who phoned me and said we have your back,” said Mayor of Selkirk, Larry Johanson. “We have your back, we have Selkirk steel’s back, we have Manitoba’s back.”