The return of the Manitoba legislature after the winter break should have been an opportunity to show leadership in the face of a crisis. Instead, it devolved into yet another political circus. The spark? U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs—25 percent on Canadian goods and 10 percent on energy exports. These tariffs threaten to cripple Manitoba’s economy, particularly our agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors. But rather than focusing on concrete solutions, our elected officials turned the legislature into a stage for partisan theatrics.
Let’s be clear: nothing was accomplished for Manitobans.
Progressive Conservatives stirred the pot by citing a poll suggesting 43 per cent of young Canadians would be fine with becoming the 51st U.S. state. Premier Wab Kinew pounced on the comment, painting the PCs as Trump sympathizers. PC interim leader Wayne Ewasko responded by attacking Kinew for failing to present any real strategy to combat the economic fallout.
This entire exchange was a waste of time. Manitobans gained nothing from it, and we gained no insight into how our government plans to handle the crisis.
Meanwhile, Kinew’s so-called “response” to Trump’s tariffs has been laughable. He’s pulling American alcohol from Manitoba liquor stores, launching a “buy local” campaign, and offering some tax relief to businesses affected by the tariffs. These are symbolic gestures, not economic strategies. They might make for good headlines, but they won’t stop the financial pain that’s coming. We need to ask: Where is the real plan?
But while Kinew grandstands, where is the opposition? The PCs criticize him, but where are their solutions? It’s not enough to simply point out what’s wrong with the government’s response—Manitobans need a credible alternative. Businesses need to know how they will survive this. Workers need to know what happens if their jobs disappear. The opposition should be leading on this, demanding a serious approach to counter the impact of tariffs. Instead, they’re content to trade barbs and play defense against Kinew’s media-friendly accusations.
This isn’t just about Manitoba—it’s part of a larger problem in politics today. Too much of it is about theatrics, too little about substance. Every level of government wants us to focus on Trump and his tariffs while they do nothing of value. It’s easy to get people riled up about the American president. It’s much harder to roll up your sleeves and develop real solutions.
Let’s be clear: these tariffs are not a political talking point. They are a direct threat to Manitoba’s economy. Agriculture alone accounts for billions in exports, much of it going south of the border. Our energy sector is now looking at new costs that could make it uncompetitive. Local manufacturers are already warning of price increases, layoffs, and declining orders. This is not a game—it requires a strategic response.
So what should be done?
For starters, Manitoba should be aggressively pursuing trade diversification. The federal government talks about this but never delivers. It’s time for provincial leaders to take the lead. Strengthening trade with Europe and Asia would reduce dependence on the U.S. market and mitigate the impact of tariffs. Other provinces have begun this work; why hasn’t Manitoba?
Second, the province should work closely with business leaders to provide targeted relief—not vague tax breaks but industry-specific measures that help key sectors stay competitive. This includes loan guarantees, investment incentives, and assistance in accessing new markets. Saskatchewan and Alberta have both implemented more effective measures in past trade disputes. Manitoba needs to catch up.
Third, where is the coordination with other provinces? Trump’s tariffs don’t just hurt Manitoba; they hurt all of Canada. The best way to counteract them is through a united front that applies pressure on Ottawa to respond decisively. Yet, we hear nothing about Manitoba leading that charge. This silence is unacceptable.
Strong leadership in times of crisis is not about political posturing—it’s about action. History has proven time and again that real leadership involves making tough decisions and putting aside partisan squabbling for the good of the people.
Look back to leaders like Brian Mulroney, who navigated the original NAFTA negotiations with skill and pragmatism. He understood that securing Canada’s economic interests required more than tough talk—it required diplomacy, strategic alliances, and a deep understanding of the economic landscape. That kind of leadership is absent in today’s debate.
Both parties in Manitoba should be embarrassed. Kinew’s government is playing to the cameras while failing to present a serious economic plan. The PCs are content to take shots from the sidelines without offering anything of substance. Manitobans deserve better.
This isn’t about left versus right. It’s about ensuring that Manitobans—workers, business owners, farmers, families—have a future they can count on. Leadership isn’t about scoring points in the legislature. It’s about delivering real solutions when they’re needed most.
Manitoba is facing a serious economic challenge. We need real leadership, not political games. It’s time for our elected officials to start acting like adults and put forward solutions that will protect jobs, support businesses, and keep our province strong. Theatrics won’t cut it. It’s time to get to work.