Kinew Open to Financial Support for Manitobans Amid Tariff Concerns

Premier Wab Kinew is considering the possibility of offering financial support to Manitobans who may be impacted by tariffs or other actions that could be implemented by the incoming United States president, Donald Trump.

Kinew Addresses Small Business Challenges

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Kinew stated that if Trump follows through with deleterious policies after taking office on January 20, the provincial government would be ready to assist residents. One of Trump's proposals includes imposing a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico to address illegal border crossings and drug trafficking into the U.S.

Kinew emphasized the need for affordability, saying, "If there is a need to help people with economic uncertainty in a post-Jan. 20 Manitoba, I would think that some affordability measures would make sense." He refrained from committing to specific plans but indicated that discussions about affordability tools were underway.

Response to Economic Pressures

Kinew is also focused on supporting small businesses facing difficulties due to a recent increase in property taxes imposed by his administration. Many local enterprises have expressed concerns over the financial strain caused by the property tax hike.

Alongside the potential need for financial aid due to U.S. tariffs, the Kinew administration has introduced several measures aimed at enhancing affordability. They suspended the provincial fuel tax for a year to relieve motorists, and proposed a freeze on electricity rate increases for the year 2025. However, food prices in Manitoba have continued to rise, outpacing the national average, despite these measures.

The new government is also working on changes to the education property tax system to provide relief to residents in lower-value homes, while generating increased revenue from higher-value properties and businesses through tax adjustments.

Future Plans for Business Support

Kinew has committed to finding ways to assist small businesses that may lose financial rebates. “I think some of what we’ll look at are tax credits and rebates targeting help for businesses,” he said. This could include potential increases in assistance for security systems as part of the ongoing support structure.

While the government is exploring these support options, ongoing fiscal challenges remain a concern. Recent financial reports indicate that the provincial deficit has exceeded initial forecasts by $513 million, leading the government to promise a balanced budget by 2027.

Kinew, Support, Economy