Canadian premier says Trump is a ‘bad person’ as Canada weighs concessions for trade deal

Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba described U.S. President Donald Trump as a "bad person" and "not to be trusted" in a recent statement. Kinew urged Canada to continue fighting rather than hastily accepting concessions in trade talks with Washington. Manitoba is considering the reinstatement of U.S. alcohol sales, as recommended by Prime Minister Mark Carney, to help secure a deal that would avoid 50% U.S. tariffs.

The premier emphasized that Canada possesses leverage in the negotiations and warned that making concessions to a "bad person" may lead to the deal's undoing.

Minister of Federal Trade Dominic LeBlanc stated that Canada and the U.S. were nearing the finalization of an agreement after LeBlanc met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Greer in Washington. Canadian officials would remain in Washington to continue working on the deal. Despite his criticism of Trump, Kinew suggested that Manitoba might comply with Carney's request under the "Team Canada" approach. He advised consumers to keep purchasing Canadian goods, even if U.S. products returned to provincial liquor stores.

Other provincial leaders, including those of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, supported Carney's negotiation direction. Kinew expressed confidence in Canada's position, stating that the U.S. administration was currently weakened and had to rely on the negotiations for a deal. He also noted that restoring U.S. alcohol sales was likely necessary to reach a final agreement.