Manitoba invests $103 million to counter U.S. tariffs

Manitoba's provincial government is injecting $103 million into relief funding to shield industries and agricultural producers from the effects of U.S. tariffs. The comprehensive package aims to protect businesses and farmers through a variety of government programs designed to bolster the provincial economy.

Jamie Moses, Manitoba's Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, described the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump as an "unwarranted attack on our Canadian economy." He stated that the initiatives are designed to ensure Manitoba's economy weathers the storm and emerges stronger.

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We know that the Donald Trump tariffs have been an unwarranted attack on our Canadian economy, and businesses and workers right here in Manitoba.

A significant portion of the funding, $50 million, will establish a new trade resilience loan program for Manitoba businesses. These loans will be offered at a low interest rate and will be repayable. Additionally, the province is launching a tariff workforce stabilization program and increasing funding for its youth employment program, allocating over $13 million across the next two years to support workers and address gaps in federal funding.

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These initiatives altogether are a comprehensive suite of programs to ensure that our economy in Manitoba will weather the storm of Donald Trump’s tariffs and become stronger throughout it.

The province is also doubling its export support program, which had already seen an increase earlier this year. Further support includes $250,000 for export advisory services, $500,000 to expand its "Made-In-Manitoba" initiative promoting local manufacturers and exporters, and another $500,000 to support local alcohol brewers, vintners, and distillers. Moses emphasized the desire to promote local Manitoba products as U.S. alcohol was removed from shelves.

In terms of agricultural protections, the province is enhancing its program that assists farmers in obtaining loans and lines of credit. This includes increasing the maximum loan amount and the government's guaranteed portion. The eligibility for Manitoba's diversification loan program, which aids producers in expanding their product offerings, has also been broadened to include grain and oilseed operations.

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We know that as we took the U.S. booze off the shelves, we also want to take a step (to) promote our local Manitoba products.