Unjustified and immoral’: Manitoba premier backs Ottawa’s response to new U.S. tariffs

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is throwing his support behind the federal government’s decision to walk away from Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and retaliate against a new round of tariffs imposed by the United States.

Kinew called the U.S. tariffs “unjustified and immoral” and urged Manitobans to support local businesses as uncertainty grows over the impact on the province’s economy.

“The government of Manitoba is 100 per cent behind the prime minister’s direction to retaliate against Donald Trump’s unjustified and immoral tariffs,” said Kinew.

Kinew said Manitoba will work with the federal government to support industries affected by the latest trade measures.

“In the meantime, we’ll work with the federal government to make sure that industries that are facing this uncertainty are going to get the necessary supports,” said Kinew.

The premier is scheduled to meet with Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council on Monday to discuss how the province will coordinate with Ottawa in response to the tariffs.

Kinew also said he expects the province to introduce additional supports for Manitoba businesses in the coming week.

The premier defended the decision to step away from negotiations, saying Manitoba supports Ottawa’s response to the latest U.S. trade measures.

“I got their back a 100 per cent. I think they did the right thing by walking away,” said Kinew.

The province has also maintained restrictions on American alcohol products in response to the ongoing trade dispute.

“We were taking steps and we’ll continue to maintain those. The U.S. booze. We are not ordering anytime soon in the light of this attack by Donald Trump,” said Kinew.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also voiced support for efforts to respond to the tariffs.

In a statement, Gillingham said the city “will do more to support federal and provincial efforts to fight this bullying.”

CityNews took to the streets of Winnipeg to ask residents whether the latest tariffs will change the way they shop and whether they support buying Canadian.

“Always. Since day 1. And I agree with our premier on this. Even if they put the American booze back on the shelves – leave it there,” said one Winnipegger.

Another resident said the latest developments were not unexpected.

“No surprise. This stuff has been going for some time now,” said the resident.

Others said they are concerned the latest tariffs could be followed by additional measures.

“Now I’m gonna be sitting and shaking in my boots waiting for it to happen again. It’s only a matter of time when more tariffs will come into effect,” said another Winnipegger.

One resident said the trade dispute is hurting people on both sides of the border.

“The American people for the most part either don’t understand or I hope at least don’t want this. I wish it would end. It’s crazy and it’s not good for anyone,” said the resident.

As the trade dispute continues, Manitoba businesses and consumers are preparing for more uncertainty, with the provincial government promising to work with Ottawa on measures to limit the impact of the tariffs.