Manitoba back to favouring non-U.S. firms after trade deal collapse: Kinew

Winkler, Manitoba's Premier, announced on Tuesday that the province has resumed favoring non-U.S. firms for government contracts following the collapse of a federal trade deal with the United States. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stated that the province had paused sending out tenders during negotiations, as the trade agreement would have required provinces to remove clauses favoring non-U.S. companies.

Since the negotiations failed late Friday, triggering a cascade of U.S. tariffs on $28 billion in Canadian goods, Kinew stated that the Manitoba government has issued a new batch of tenders. The premier explained that this policy is a strategic move, using leverage, given that Manitoba Hydro has $30 billion in construction projects planned over the next 20 years.

Kinew also mentioned that the provincial government will soon announce support for companies and workers grappling with the repercussions of the tariffs. He expressed optimism about the federal assistance provided thus far, and indicated that Manitoba may follow a similar path. Kinew emphasized the economic fallout of the U.S. tariffs on businesses and individuals in Manitoba and across Canada, urging that the corporate sector remain active while ensuring the frontline workers are not left behind.