Manitoba trade delegation makes D.C. case

Manitoba’s presence in Washington, D.C., swelled — briefly — during a whirlwind trip to meet officials behind the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on trade.

A delegation visited the U.S. capitol on Tuesday. While there, they liaised with representatives from U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s office and Canadian embassy officials.

“What we pushed hard on was that we have a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Bram Strain, president of the Business Council of Manitoba.

The keystone province exported some $7 billion worth of goods to the United States between January and June 2025, according to Manitoba data. It traded $9.04 billion in agri-food exports, and another $2.06 billion in agri-food imports, with the U.S. in 2025.

Still, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Manitoba businesses, Strain said. Entrepreneurs are waiting to see what will happen with CUSMA: a formal review launches in July.

In the meantime, local firms have pulled back on hiring and paused investments.

Strain was joined in Washington by representatives from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Keystone Agricultural Producers and Manitoba Pork. Paul Soubry, former president of NFI Group, also attended.

Richard Madan, Manitoba’s trade rep in Washington, orchestrated the trip.

“It was key for us to get (perspective), in terms of where (U.S. officials) see where the negotiations are, and for us to really just emphasize the importance of that relationship,” said Chuck Davidson, president of the Manitoba chambers.

“You kind of understand size and scope when you’re in Washington. They may not even know where Manitoba is, and so I think it’s really important that we have that voice there.”

The delegation heard about Americans’ trade irritants, including supply managed systems and provinces’ sales bans on U.S. alcohol. The Manitoba government announced it’d stop ordering American booze in February 2025.

The delegation pitched Manitoba’s benefits, including its integrated supply chains with America and companies spanning — and employing — both sides of the border.

They brought up Manitoba’s aerospace sector and its position as the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) Canadian HQ.

Soubry noted all transit buses in the District of Columbia are made by Winnipeg-based New Flyer.

“(And) all the material that we buy into Canada to build buses for Canada comes from the United States,” he said. “You’ve almost got to open their eyes to all of those connections.”

The meeting with Greer’s staff, in the fast-paced capitol, was set for a half-hour. It lasted 45 minutes.

Madan called it a “good, positive sign that they were engaged” — especially on the day when Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, paid a visit.

“The timing was perfect and excellent,” Madan said.

LeBlanc visited after penning a letter to Greer and Mexico’s secretary of economy, calling for a 16-year renewal of CUSMA. Countries can also withdraw from the trade agreement or opt for an annual review that could trigger years-long negotiations.

Canada seemingly wants a trade renewal more than the United States, which might require it to give more concessions, said Philippe Cyrenne, a University of Winnipeg economics professor.

If it doesn’t change its supply managed systems, seen in industries such as dairy, there might be counter-tariffs on Canadian agricultural products. That’d affect Manitoba, Cyrenne said.

“You have to sort of forecast what the Trump administration would get from signing some deal,” he said. “Would that help them in the midterms or not?”

U.S. midterm elections are slated for November.

Canada, so far, has avoided a global 10 per cent tariff the U.S. has placed; CUSMA has been a shield.

“Manitoba is aligned with the Team Canada approach,” Madan said, adding the delegation left meetings feeling “encouraged.”

Ontario and Alberta have trade offices in Washington. Provinces separately advocating their interests could muddy Canada’s overall message, said Stefan Dodds, a U of W economics professor: “You don’t want to dilute the trade message.”

He added the delegation could help to strengthen relationships with key decision-makers.

Dilution isn’t an issue, Madan said.

“As much as we’re part of Team Canada, we can’t sit back and allow our story not to be told,” Soubry said. “We’re right on the eve of this whole thing.”

Organizations paid their own way to Washington, said Cam Dahl, Manitoba Pork general manager.

The United States is the second-largest export market, behind Japan, for Manitoba pork producers. They ship around three million live animals to the country annually.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com