Canadian premiers told to prepare for two-plus years of Trump tariff war, Wab Kinew says
Manitoba's premier reveals federal government message to prepare long-term economic support, as premiers reach out to U.S. state counterparts to defend trade relationships.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Canada's premiers are preparing for a prolonged tariff battle under the Trump administration, according to conversations with federal leadership. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday that Prime Minister Mark Carney has told provincial leaders to ready economic programs that are "a bridge past the Trump administration."
"I can tell you that the conversation with the prime minister has been to prepare for two-plus years," Kinew said at a news conference in Winkler, Manitoba. "At some point, the American people will see how damaging this presidency is to their cost of living."
The comments came after the federal government rolled out $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses withstanding the new 50 per cent tariffs on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods. Ottawa is also matching U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar, tariffing $27.6 billion of comparable U.S. goods starting September 8.
Kinew said premiers across the country are reaching out to their American state counterparts, making the economic case for continued trade with Canada. "Our issue is with the Trump administration's tariffs. Our issue is not with the American people. American people are still our friends, they're still our family members in many cases. And we want to continue building those relationships," he said.
Kinew expressed pride in Canada's negotiating stance, saying the country has shown "that you don't have to take a knee, you don't have to bow down." However, he stressed willingness to resolve disagreements. "We wouldn't be Canadians if we weren't still willing to sit down and hash out some disagreements. But we don't want to compromise our values along the way, so it's a bit of a balancing act," he said.
He predicted potential political shifts in the U.S. "Maybe the president just has to take an L [a loss] in the midterms before he sees the writing on the wall," Kinew said.
Manitoba is currently studying the federal counter-tariff package and support measures, with Kinew saying the province expects to announce its own response later this week.
By the numbers
How long are Canadian premiers preparing to deal with Trump tariffs?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has told provincial leaders to prepare economic programs for two-plus years of tariff battles under the Trump administration.
How much federal support has Canada allocated for workers and businesses affected by tariffs?
The federal government rolled out $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses withstanding new tariffs on Canadian goods.
What value of U.S. goods is Canada tariffing in response?
Canada is tariffing $27.6 billion of comparable U.S. goods starting September 8, matching the U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar.
