The exterior of the Manitoba Legislature is seen in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
The Manitoba government is rolling out more than $100 million in targeted supports for workers, businesses and producers as it responds to the latest U.S. tariffs.
The province rolled out the financial support package on Friday, saying the government is working with federal counterparts to help Manitobans through the trade uncertainty.
“Canadians are united in the face of growing threats to our economy and sovereignty from the Trump administration,” said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses, encouraging Manitobans to buy local and support homegrown industries.
The province said the latest tariff escalation is expected to hit a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, agri-food, transportation, construction, wholesale trade, aerospace, forestry, steel, machinery and beverages.
The response includes measures to help businesses manage cash flow, retain workers, and explore new export opportunities. Key supports include:
- $50 million for the Manitoba Trade Resilience Loan Program, offering repayable working capital financing at low interest rates
- $500,000 increase to the Export Support Program
- $250,000 to enhance export advisory services
- $500,000 to the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters to expand the Made-in-Manitoba initiative
- $500,000 to support interprovincial trade missions for Manitoba alcohol producers and craft breweries
- $13.7 million to establish a Tariff Workforce Stabilization and Youth Employment Program offering wage subsidies
- A deferral option for provincially administered tax payments, including retail sales and payroll tax, from September 1 to December 31, 2026
The province has also established a tariff hotline — a dedicated number to provide information and assistance to businesses and workers affected by tariffs. The line can be reached at (204) 945-8011 or toll-free at 1-877-827-4330 (1-877-TARIFF-0) within Manitoba, or an inquiry can be submitted online.
Watch Friday’s news conference:
