The Government of Manitoba responded to the U.S. administration’s implementation of 25 per cent tariffs on March 4 by applying retaliatory tariffs on March 6 to protect Manitoban jobs and businesses.
Tariffs on some Canadian goods were put on pause on March 6 by U.S. President Donald Trump until April 2.
The province is working with business and industry groups to assess necessary short and long term supports, according to the Government of Manitoba.
The provincial government has also extended tax payment deadlines for Manitoba businesses until June 20, 2025 and halted the sale and import of U.S. wine, beer and liquor.
The Government of Manitoba is diversifying trade nationally and internationally, as well as meeting regularly with its U.S. Trade Council consisting of industry representatives to provide advice.
There is a dedicated hotline implemented by the government that is available for businesses and individuals seeking tariff-related assistance.
Local businesses are being advocated for through the Support Manitoba, Buy Local initiative. There will be amendments to the Government Purchases Act to prioritize Canadian suppliers under the Buy Canadian Act.
Border security has increased by deploying more armed conservation officers. The Government of Manitoba is also working with federal, provincial and territorial governments to reduce internal trade barriers.
To further strengthen the economy, the government is investing $36.4 million over two years to revitalize the Port of Churchill. The upgraded Hudson Bay Railway and port will expand trade with Nunavut and Europe while supporting exports of minerals, agricultural products and energy resources.
“We cannot live as Manitobans with a persistent threat of Donald Trump tariff tax,” Premier Wab Kinew said to CBC.
“While these Trump tariffs are being dangled over us, we have to use every single tool in the toolbox.”
In addition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced counter-tariffs against the U.S. on Feb. 1.
He stated that Canada would impose a 25 per cent tariff on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods by Feb. 4 and would sanction additional tariffs to $125 billion of U.S. imports in three weeks.
American goods to be affected first include beer, wine and spirits, vegetables, clothing, shoes and perfume. Additional goods affected include consumer products such as household appliances, furniture and sports equipment.
The U.S. administration delayed the tariffs on Feb. 3 for 30 days after talks with Trudeau. The administration announced this tariff to reduce drug trafficking and strengthen border control, and stop undocumented immigrants from entering the U.S.
On March 6, the federal government halted the second phase of the retaliatory tariffs after Trump signed an executive order to postpone tariffs on goods that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico (CUSMA) agreement’s rules-of-origin requirements and lowered potash levies to 10 per cent until April 2.
Trudeau said that Canada will not succumb to an attack from the U.S. which is supposed to be an ally.
“We don’t want to be here, we didn’t ask for this, but we will not back down in standing up for Canadians,” he said.
Trudeau urged Canadians to buy Canadian products and double check product labels at grocery stores before shopping.
“Find your own way to stand up for Canada. In this moment, we must pull together because we love this country.”
As part of measures to strengthen its economy amidst the trade war, the federal government has allocated $6.5 billion to support Canadian businesses.
Ottawa’s new Trade Impact Program will provide $5 billion over two years to help businesses manage reduced U.S. sales and expand into global markets.
It will also offer $500 million in business loans ranging from $200,000 to $2 million at preferred interest rates and set aside $1 billion for agricultural sector loans.
