Manitoba Premier backs Canadian retaliation against U.S. tariffs

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has expressed full support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to retaliate against United States tariffs following the collapse of trade negotiations. Kinew criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as “erratic, irresponsible, and not to be trusted,” and labeled the new tariffs “unjustified and immoral.”

The trade dispute involves 50 percent U.S. tariffs on various Canadian goods, including honey, dairy, and alcohol, though energy and critical minerals are currently excluded. Manitoba, which exports up to 75 percent of its goods to the U.S., expects approximately four percent of its exports to be impacted by these measures.

While provincial leaders have agreed to Prime Minister Carney’s request to end the boycott of American liquor to facilitate broader trade strategy, Kinew has urged citizens to continue supporting domestic producers by leaving American products on store shelves. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc recently signaled that negotiators are “very close” to progress following talks in Washington.