Manitoba Premier Kinew Criticizes Interim US-Canada Trade Deal but Urges National Unity

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed his displeasure with the current interim trade arrangement being hammered out between Canada and the United States, acknowledging that the final terms may not suit his province but emphasizing the importance of a collective Canadian approach. He highlighted that tariffs are part of the deal, though exact rates have not yet been disclosed. Kinew also warned consumers to refrain from buying U.S. alcohol if it reappears on provincial shelves, citing the unpredictable nature of President Donald Trump's trade stance.

In parallel, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston signaled willingness to lift his province's alcohol ban pending an agreement, while Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette said she will decide after assessing economic impacts. Federal negotiators, including Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette, met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington and said the deal is "very close" to completion, with further discussions involving Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.