Canada premier calls Trump ‘bad person’

The premier of Manitoba, Canada, Wab Kinew, vehemently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, branding him a "bad person" who cannot be trusted. Kinew urged Canada to remain firm in ongoing trade talks with Washington, rather than hastily making concessions. His province is currently weighing the restoration of U.S. alcohol sales, at Prime Minister Mark Carney's urging, to secure a deal that would prevent threatened 50% U.S. tariffs.

Kinew emphasized that one cannot make a fair deal with a bad person, as Trump's character is unpredictable and unreliable.

Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, stated that Canada and the United States were nearing finalization of an agreement following a recent meeting. Canadian officials are expected to stay in Washington to continue negotiating. Despite Trump's acknowledgment of the emerging deal's fairness, both sides have not disclosed the full terms of the agreement.

Kinew suggested that Manitoba might comply with Carney's request to restore U.S. alcohol sales, as part of a coordinated effort known as "Team Canada." However, he urged consumers to continue purchasing Canadian products to support the local economy. Other provincial leaders, including those from Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, have also supported the approach advocated by Carney.

The controversy surrounding U.S. alcohol sales has been a significant point of contention in the trade talks. Eight of Canada's 10 provinces impose restrictions or bans on U.S. alcohol, a measure imposed in response to Trump's previous tariffs on Canadian goods and due to Trump's repeated claims of turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state.

Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, played a substantial role in the liquor sales market, with government-run retailers selling approximately 1 billion Canadian dollars worth of U.S. products annually before halting sales in 2020. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has not yet commented on the emerging trade deal.

Kinew expressed his preference for continuing negotiations, citing Trump's propensity for imposing high import taxes and then backing down, a phenomenon known as the TACO trade, an acronym coined by The Financial Times for "Trump Always Chickens Out." He questioned whether this pattern would continue with the current administration.

Quebec Premier Christine Frechette also responded to the developments, stating that she had been briefed on the emerging agreement but had not yet endorsed it, pending an assessment of the economic impact. Quebec may allow U.S. alcohol sales through the SAQ, a government-controlled corporation responsible for wine and spirits sales in the province, although the final decision lies with the province.