The Manitoba government welcomed Mark Wiseman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, to the Manitoba Legislative Building as part of a visit focused on strengthening relationships with business, Indigenous and political leaders.
“We’re going to keep our elbows up when it comes to defending Manitoba jobs and standing up for Manitoba workers,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “At the same time, we must look beyond the challenges in front of us and continue building for the future. Manitoba has a lot to offer, and we were pleased to welcome Ambassador Wiseman to discuss how we can work together as Team Canada to support workers, grow our economy and strengthen our trade relationships.”
During the visit, Wiseman and the premier discussed the impacts of ongoing trade uncertainty with the United States, as well as the strengths and opportunities that position Manitoba businesses and exporters for long-term success.
Wiseman also met with the Manitoba government’s U.S. Trade Council, the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council trade subcommittee and the Business Council of Manitoba, where he heard directly from representatives of business, labour and Indigenous leadership about the impacts of ongoing trade uncertainty and the importance of maintaining strong cross-border economic relationships.
“Businesses in Winnipeg are feeling the impacts of trade uncertainty in different ways, which makes it important that their experiences and priorities are heard directly by Canada’s representatives in the United States,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism, and co-chair of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council trade subcommittee. “Direct conversations like this help bring a Winnipeg and Manitoba perspective to the table as we work to strengthen our U.S. relationships, navigate current challenges and create the conditions for businesses to invest and grow.”
Manitoba continues to advocate for a co-ordinated Team Canada approach that protects jobs, supports economic growth and advances Manitoba’s priorities in ongoing discussions with the United States, the premier noted.
Building on its commitment, the Manitoba government recently announced an additional $100 million in targeted supports for businesses and workers affected by the ongoing trade dispute including financing, export assistance, wage subsidies, tax-payment deferrals and expanded agricultural loan guarantees, the premier noted, adding that the funding will help employers retain workers, maintain operations, pursue new market opportunities, and strengthen Manitoba’s economic resilience with market diversification in the face of continued trade uncertainty.
