Manitoba industry leaders want tariffs to remain ‘top of mind’ in talks following PM’s resignation

The unexpected resignation of Canada’s prime minister has caused a stir in the political landscape, especially in Manitoba. Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down as leader of the federal Liberals after nearly a decade in power has raised questions and uncertainties, particularly in relation to Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

The looming threat of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S. has industry leaders in Manitoba on edge. Andrea Ladouceur, president of the Bioscience Association of Manitoba, is concerned about the potential impact on businesses in the province. Manitoba exported $2.3 billion worth of medicine to the U.S. in 2023, making medications the province’s largest export to the U.S. in terms of dollars.

Ladouceur emphasized the importance of ensuring that the country’s next leader prioritizes the concerns of Manitoba’s industries. She stressed the need for cost-competitive ways of doing business to remain competitive and prevent the relocation of businesses to other parts of the world.

Barry Prentice, director of the University of Manitoba’s Transport Institute, believes that while Trump may not follow through with across-the-board tariffs on Canadian goods, targeted tariffs on specific sectors like aluminum or steel could still be a possibility. He highlighted the importance of having a comprehensive plan in place to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs on industries in Manitoba.

Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork, expressed concerns about the devastating impact that tariffs could have on the province’s pork industry. He stressed the need for federal and provincial leaders to prioritize developing a strategic plan to address the threat of tariffs and protect Manitoba’s industries.

Chuck Davidson, president of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, emphasized the importance of putting aside partisan politics in the face of the tariff threat. He described a potential tariff war with the U.S. as a “lose-lose situation” for both countries and called for certainty around Trump’s plans to determine how provincial and federal leadership should respond.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has been proactive in addressing the tariff threat, meeting with U.S. leaders and emphasizing the importance of the relationship between Canada and the U.S. He assured Canadians that provincial leaders will continue to work together to protect the country’s economic interests and navigate the period of uncertainty.

Overall, the resignation of Justin Trudeau has injected a sense of urgency into the discussions surrounding tariffs and trade relations with the U.S. Manitoba’s industries are looking to federal and provincial leaders to take decisive action to safeguard their interests and ensure continued economic growth in the province.