To our partners, investors and Winnipeg business community,
The past week has been challenging for Winnipeg's business community—Canada stands at an economic crossroads. The threat of tariffs and a potential new trade war highlights the urgent need for Canada, and Manitoba in particular, to boost productivity, expand markets, explore domestic opportunities and reaffirm our position as an attractive place to invest, grow businesses and visit. This is a sentiment that is coming through loud and clear in our discussions with local business and tourism leaders.
The potential 25% tariffs on Manitoba's exports to the U.S., our largest trading partner, pose serious risks, including a "chilling" effect on investment. However, the Trump administration's aggressive approach also presents an opportunity—if we can navigate these challenges strategically.
As Winnipeggers, we've always faced adversity with resilience and practicality. Now, more than ever, we must control what we can: influencing and educating decision-makers while making the tough choices needed to enhance our own competitiveness.
The key to overcoming these challenges? Swift, decisive action and hard work. We cannot afford to lose our sense of urgency. This is a short but temporary reprieve, and a clear signal of the challenges to come. As Manitoba's lead economic development and tourism agency, Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) remains committed to supporting Winnipeg's business and tourism community as we navigate the evolving economic landscape together.
Our collective strength lies in our ability to collaborate, strategize and take proactive steps to secure the prosperity of our community. EDW is actively engaging in initiatives that advocate for our business community. As part of this effort, I have joined Manitoba's U.S. Trade Council to address potential tariffs and strengthen U.S.-Canada trade relationships.
In this role, I bring key insights from our business and tourism partners and clients directly to the Premier, fellow council members and relevant departments, offering clear advice to navigate challenges and protect Winnipeg's and Manitoba's economic prosperity. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build stronger cross-border partnerships.
Beyond this, EDW is focused on fostering collaboration and support through several key initiatives:
- Corporate partner roundtable discussions: Amanda Macdonald, Vice President of Business Development and Market Intelligence and Natalie Thiesen, Vice President of Tourism, are hosting a series of roundtable discussions to bring businesses and tourism partners together to discuss challenges and co-create forward-thinking strategies to further align our collective efforts.
- Tourism development: Recognizing the vital role tourism plays in our economy, EDW is dedicated to supporting the growth of Winnipeg's tourism sector. We will continue to welcome our American neighbours and visitors from around the world, showcasing everything Winnipeg has to offer.
- Collaborations with industry and sector partners: We are closely aligned with our industry partners, such as Destination Canada, Travel Manitoba, Invest Canada, PrairiesCan, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Manitoba, World Trade Centre and more, to ensure our initiatives are cohesive, impactful and maximize every dollar. By taking a one-team approach, we work together to ensure alignment and drive greater results.
A reminder that Manitoba businesses and workers with questions or feedback on potential tariffs can contact the Government of Manitoba's hotline at 1-877-827-4330 (toll-free), 204-945-8011, or 204-945-3744, or visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/tariffresponse/index.html.
Our Business Development and Tourism teams remain committed to providing tangible support, offering resources and guidance tailored to help your business thrive amidst current challenges, so do not hesitate to reach out. Please look out for future partner and investor communications for details on our roundtable discussions.
Sincerely,
Ryan Kuffner
President and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg
