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Manitoba Government Establishes U.S. Trade Council to Counter Potential Tariffs

In a move to bolster its trade relations and prepare for potential U.S. tariffs, the Manitoba government has announced the creation of a U.S. Trade Council. Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement today, emphasizing the province’s proactive approach in navigating the complexities of international trade under the Trump administration.

“Our government has been preparing for a Trump administration since day one,” said Kinew. “It’s why we brought former premier Gary Doer to advise on U.S. trade and we will stand up a Manitoba trade office in Washington this spring. We are continuing to make the case to our American counterparts that trade with Manitoba creates good jobs on both sides of the border. Premiers across Canada are united on that front.”

The newly formed U.S. Trade Council comprises representatives from various industries and sectors across Manitoba. Notable members include Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress; Kurt Buehler, group president of MacDon Industries and Linamar Agriculture; Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce; and Stacy Kennedy, director of operations at Vale and president of the Mining Association of Manitoba.

Other distinguished members are Ryan Kuffner, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg; Andrea Ladouceur, president of the Bioscience Association of Manitoba; Ash Modha, founder and CEO of Mondetta Clothing; Gerry Price, chair and CEO of Price Industries; Mike Pulak, area coordinator for United Steelworkers (USW) Manitoba; Mike Pyle, CEO of Exchange Income Corporation; Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour; Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce; Paul Soubry, president and CEO of NFI Group Inc.; Bram Strain, president and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba; Jill Verwey, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers; and Gustavo Zentner, president of the International Point of Commerce (InterPOC) and vice-president of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).

Many of these members participated in the Manitoba government’s trade mission to Washington, D.C., in April 2024, further solidifying their commitment to fostering strong trade relations with the United States.

The establishment of the U.S. Trade Council builds on the previous announcement of a Manitoba trade office in Washington, which will provide a permanent presence in the American capital and ensure a direct line to government officials. This initiative underscores Manitoba’s dedication to advocating for the benefits of trade and economic collaboration between Manitoba and the United States.

© 2025 News4.ca

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