Manitoba Premier Criticizes U.S. Trade Talks

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during a media appearance, labeling him a “bad person” and “not to be trusted.” Kinew urged Canada to avoid rushing into a trade agreement with the United States, suggesting that Canada should not make unnecessary concessions.

Despite being urged by Prime Minister Mark Carney to resume U.S. alcohol sales, Kinew believes Canada holds leverage in negotiations. Resuming these sales might help avoid the enforcement of proposed 50% U.S. tariffs.

“Everybody knows the American president by now, he’s erratic, he’s irresponsible, and he’s not to be trusted,” Kinew remarked. He questioned the value of negotiating with someone like Trump, warning that any agreement might not last.

The White House declined to comment on Kinew’s critique. Meanwhile, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s federal minister in charge of U.S. trade, indicated that negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were progressing well. According to LeBlanc, Canada and the U.S. were nearing an agreement, with LeBlanc’s team staying in Washington to finalize details. Trump described the tentative deal as “very fair.” Tariffs on approximately $20 billion of Canadian imports have been postponed until Saturday.

Although critical of Trump, Kinew is contemplating Carney’s “Team Canada” approach, which involves re-allowing U.S. alcohol sales in Manitoba. He encouraged consumers to continue supporting Canadian products. Other provincial leaders, such as those from Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, have supported Carney’s negotiation strategy.

Kinew views Trump as weakened domestically, with the U.S. appearing less influential globally and facing midterm election challenges. The cost of living in the U.S. remains a significant issue that Kinew believes Trump is out of touch with.

A contentious point in negotiations is the restoration of U.S. alcohol sales, partly due to existing retaliatory bans by Canadian provinces. While provinces cannot veto the national agreement, they control specific areas like liquor sales. Eight of Canada’s ten provinces currently limit or ban U.S. alcohol, applied in response to Trump’s tariffs and comments about Canada’s status.

Kinew said Carney exerted pressure on premiers to restore U.S. alcohol sales, though he stopped short of describing it as begging.

Manitoba might also consider removing formal barriers to U.S. businesses while still prioritizing Canadian suppliers. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette acknowledged answered questions from Carney but awaits a precise economic impact evaluation before committing. Quebec might restore U.S. alcohol sales through its government corporation, SAQ, but the decision would remain Quebec’s.

Professor Robert Bothwell from the University of Toronto noted that Kinew’s criticism reflects a broader Canadian sentiment towards Trump.