Close X
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Manitoba government promises trade office in U.S. capital to boost economy

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Dec, 2024 03:59 PM
  • Manitoba government promises trade office in U.S. capital to boost economy

The Manitoba government is planning to open a trade office in Washington, D.C., in the new year to deal with threatened United States tariffs and promote investment opportunities in provincial sectors such as mining and aerospace.

The move would bring Manitoba in line with Ontario, Alberta and some other provinces that have full-time trade representatives in the U.S. capital.

Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday he saw the value of trade offices on a trip to Washington earlier this year with business leaders.

"You know what they asked us? 'Manitoba, where have you been the past few years?'" Kinew said in his annual state of the province speech to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

The government has not yet picked a person to lead the office, and they may not necessarily be a Manitoban, Kinew said.

Kinew told the business crowd he takes seriously the threat of widespread tariffs on Canadian goods from president-elect Donald Trump. The premier said the Manitoba trade office would need someone who can talk to Republicans.

"We need folks who are, dare I say it, a little Trumpy," he said, moving his hands back and forth slowly, accordion-style, as Trump has been known to do. The gesture was greeted with laughter from the audience.

Loren Remillard, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said business leaders noticed on the recent trip to Washington that provinces with a physical presence in the city have an advantage.

"You can't expect your friends and allies to always know your position, understand and be receptive, if you're not there physically," Remillard said.

Kinew also said Manitoba would offer financial incentives and an easier regulatory regime — details are to be determined — in order to attract U.S. investment in critical mineral development and other projects.

"If you invest in standing up new mines in Manitoba, we're going to design a provincial economic development strategy to ensure that we have the right incentives on the financial side, but also … ensuring that our regulatory regime is one that can move at the speed of business."

When pressed for details by reporters, Kinew said tax cuts are one possibility, as is a focus on promoting Manitoba's low hydroelectricity rates.

"That's a good financial incentive that we can put on the table."

The trade office was being considered before Trump was elected, Kinew added. It was recommended by the government's business advisory council, which was created last year.

Kinew also appointed former Manitoba premier and Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Gary Doer as a trade adviser shortly after winning last year's provincial election.

MORE National ARTICLES

'Sleeping with the enemy': Mistrial in B.C. sex assault over Crown dating paralegal

'Sleeping with the enemy': Mistrial in B.C. sex assault over Crown dating paralegal
The B.C. Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for a man convicted of sexual assault after he learned his defence lawyer's paralegal was dating the Crown prosecutor during his trial. Justice Veronica Jackson ruled last week in Courtenay, B.C., that Cameron Gagne should get a new trial because his lawyer, Eric Chesterley, and prosecutor Nicholas Grabe failed to tell the court about the relationship. 

'Sleeping with the enemy': Mistrial in B.C. sex assault over Crown dating paralegal

B.C. woman on the lam in $60,000 Alberta meat scam arrested in Ontario

B.C. woman on the lam in $60,000 Alberta meat scam arrested in Ontario
A B.C. woman charged in connection with a 60-thousand-dollar meat scam last year has been arrested in Ontario. RCMP say Krysta-Lyn Williams of Penticton, was arrested in Picton, Ontario, last week with the assistance of Ontario Provincial Police.

B.C. woman on the lam in $60,000 Alberta meat scam arrested in Ontario

Fatal crash on Trans Canada Highway

Fatal crash on Trans Canada Highway
Two people are dead and a third is in critical condition after a single-vehicle crash on the Trans Canada Highway in British Columbia. The RCMP in Ashcroft, west of Kamloops, say they were called to the scene Sunday at around 10:15 p.m.

Fatal crash on Trans Canada Highway

Fog advisory lifts for Vancouver area, but near-zero visibility could return

Fog advisory lifts for Vancouver area, but near-zero visibility could return
A fog advisory that covered much of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley has been lifted by Environment Canada.  The thick blanket of fog that left near-zero visibility in some areas was created by a ridge of high pressure over parts of southern B.C.

Fog advisory lifts for Vancouver area, but near-zero visibility could return

Taylor Swift fans flock to BC Place, days before Eras Tour lands in Vancouver

Taylor Swift fans flock to BC Place, days before Eras Tour lands in Vancouver
Security fencing is going up around BC Place stadium in preparation for the final days of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this weekend, while dozens of Swifties gather near by to feel the vibe and "breathe the same air as Taylor Swift." Staff wearing security jackets are busy off-loading fencing and installing it around the stadium for the Swift shows from Dec. 6 to 8. 

Taylor Swift fans flock to BC Place, days before Eras Tour lands in Vancouver

Fourth deer in B.C. found with fatal chronic wasting disease

Fourth deer in B.C. found with fatal chronic wasting disease
A fourth case of fatal chronic wasting disease has been found in a white-tailed deer in British Columbia's Kootenay region. The provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says federal inspectors confirmed the deer that was harvested in October is another in a cluster of cases found near Cranbrook.

Fourth deer in B.C. found with fatal chronic wasting disease

PrevNext