Winnipeg council votes to maintain ties with U.S. partners amid trade tensions

Winnipeg city council has voted overwhelmingly to maintain its ties with American counterparts, rejecting a motion that would have pulled the city out of a key North American economic organization amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Council voted 13–1 against a proposal to withdraw from the North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO) and freeze travel funding related to U.S. partnerships in the Red River Basin. The motion cited concerns about alienating relationships south of the border during a volatile period in Canada–U.S. relations.

“It’s better to be at the table than be the lunch at the table,” said Janice Lukes, councillor for Waverly West.

The motion was brought forward by Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt, who said it was motivated by rhetoric and trade decisions directed at Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“You know I would have welcomed an amendment to the motion saying we don’t cancel our membership in NASCO, rather we suspend it,” said Russ Wyatt, councillor for Transcona.

“To all out say that our membership in this organization is going to make a difference at this time when the United States and their president have said comments about Canada which frankly are completely out of step,” Wyatt said.

Mayor Scott Gillingham strongly opposed the motion, arguing that continued engagement with U.S. partners is critical during uncertain times.

“I completely disagree with the councillor, now is the time to be working with our allies,” said Scott Gillingham, mayor of Winnipeg.

Gillingham said withdrawing from NASCO would undermine long-standing relationships and weaken the city’s ability to advocate for local businesses.

“We’re not negotiating with members of NASCO, in fact we’re working together, one of key areas they focus on as an entity is the discussions related to CUSMA, the trade agreement between Canada, the U.S and Mexico. So having them as ongoing allies, discussing, working together, and we as a city being there to advocate for and bring forward the needs and the concerns and the priorities of the businesses in our city is very important,” Gillingham said.

Several councillors echoed the mayor’s position during a heated debate in council chambers.

“It may feel righteous Madam Speaker, it may feel satisfying, but it is not strategic, it is not responsible, it is actively undermining the work that actually protects our communities,” said Sherri Rollins, councillor for Fort Rouge–East Fort Garry.

“NASCO isn’t about ideologies, it’s about keeping goods moving, supporting work force development, and protecting competitiveness for cities like Winnipeg,” said Evan Duncan, councillor for Charleswood–Tuxedo–Westwood.

Lukes said maintaining dialogue with U.S. partners remains essential.

“We need to be talking to our partners, and these are our partners. Yeah, I really didn’t support that motion at all,” Lukes said.

The motion was defeated by a vote of 13–1.