Premier leads 'Team Manitoba' trade mission to Washington – Winnipeg Free Press

Premier Wab Kinew will lead a delegation of Manitoba business, labor and industry representatives to Washington on Monday to build relationships “on both sides of the aisle” ahead of November's presidential election and the expiration of the North American Free Trade Agreement. .

“Part of the strategy we're investing in is building relationships from both sides in the states. (It's) a bit more proactive planning and an insurance policy,” Kinew said Free press friday

His volunteer trade adviser, former premier Gary Doerr, who was Canada's ambassador to the U.S. from 2009 to 2016, is part of a three-day mission to secure and expand trade with the province's largest trading partner.

“Elections are coming up in the states,” Kinew said. “We want to have such relationships. As Mr. Doerr said, I believe 'talk before you talk,'” the premier said.

After Donald Trump became US president in 2017 and threatened to end the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has been in place since 1994, the Canadian government has launched a sweeping effort to convince Americans of the benefits of trade with the country.

NAFTA's replacement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is scheduled to expire in 2026.

Kinew said he wants U.S. lawmakers and organizations to get to know Manitoba.

“Let's go down and build these bridges and if we have to negotiate or work on political issues in the future, we'll have those relationships back,” Kinew said.

The delegation held meetings in Washington from Monday to Wednesday.

Doerr said he started the ball rolling on the charm offensive in Manitoba a few months ago by talking to Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., as well as government officials from Democrats and Republicans.

“If you don't show up, don't expect people to know your concerns when it's too late to change it,” Doerr said Friday.

Republican candidate Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden have pushed protectionist policies that are popular with US voters but dangerous for Canadian businesses that rely on American markets.

In December, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce called on Ottawa and the provinces to launch a coordinated campaign to protect trade relations and guard against protectionist policies that could alienate Canada as the 2024 American election campaign heats up.

“We need to strengthen our presence on Capitol Hill and our relationships with key decision makers and influencers in all areas of US trade policy,” said Lauren Remillard, CEO and President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, who will be part of the delegation. .

He said Manitoba brings a lot to the table, including clean energy, essential minerals and North America's largest inland modal port at Centreport.

Remillard said he looks forward to a warm reception and building relationships with the business community.

“They will be key allies because regardless of what happened in Canada and Manitoba in November – our people-to-people relationship remains a priority and keeping our borders open and free of barriers to the movement of people and goods remains a priority. Remillard said.

Manitoba companies that employ people on both sides of the border, including NFI Group Inc. (New Flyer Industries) is part of the mission and message, Kinew said.

“We have some really good exporters that employ a lot of people in Manitoba, as well as in many American areas. That's the main case we want to make: “Sure, we love trade, but trade is good for your constituents,” Kinew said.

Doerr said Americans need to be reminded of the important border relationships.

“These things are important to point out because they become a privilege,” the former NDP premier said.

Doerr advised Kinnew on who to meet and the best time to visit Washington — after the Easter weekend and before the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 27, when “a lot of people are in town.” said.

Leaders of the United Steelworkers of Manitoba and the Manitoba Mining Association are presenting a rare and united front at the U.S. Capitol this week — one that Manitoba Business Council president and CEO Bram Strain expects to have a powerful impact.

“When you have the kinds of groups that travel together with the same message and have the same discussion in the same room at the same time, they're very powerful. I think that works to our advantage in this particular mission,” said Strain, part of the delegation.

“It is very important for us to have an integrated 'Team Manitoba approach' and to present an overall 'Friendly Manitoba Front,'” said the premier.

Manitoba has a strong competitive advantage and has much of what the U.S. needs, but it hasn't picked up in years, Kinnew said.

“They can only meet their industrial and energy needs if they have a good source of essential minerals — Manitoba has those, and we can bring them to market with better environmental standards and respect for labor and human rights.” anywhere in the world,” said the Prime Minister.

“It's important that we get back in front of American audiences and begin to prove that Manitoba has an advantage that is truly aligned with America's goals for its future.”

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Carol Sanders
Legislative reporter

After 20 years reporting on the diversity of people who call Manitoba home, Carol moved to the Legislative Bureau in early 2020.

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