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WATCH AS Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, speaks with Kevin Klein of The Winnipeg Sun about Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
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The discussion centres on the challenges, risks, and opportunities the suggestion poses for businesses and governments and the broader implications for the Canadian economy.
Davidson emphasized that while the threat of such a tariff raises serious concerns, it also highlights the need for Canada to reassess and strengthen its trade policies. He noted the importance of diversifying trade relationships beyond the United States, even as Canada remains a key supplier of essential resources like minerals, oil, and gas—commodities that the U.S. relies on heavily.
“This is a pivotal moment for U.S.-Canada trade relations. We can’t afford to sit on our hands,” Davidson said. “With the potential for significant economic disruption, we urge the Prime Minister and Canada’s premiers to prioritize this issue at the highest levels.”
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Davidson called for a proactive approach from Manitoba’s government to bolster economic ties with the U.S. He stressed the urgency of having dedicated representation in Washington to ensure Manitoba’s voice is heard in trade negotiations and to advocate for key economic sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and cross-border logistics.
“Manitoba needs dedicated representation in Washington to provide our province with an influential voice in U.S. trade negotiations and to help advocate for issues critical to Manitoba’s economy,” Davidson said.
He pointed to the need for leadership at all levels to turn potential challenges into opportunities and ensure that Manitoba and Canada remain competitive on the global stage. While the threat of tariffs underscores vulnerabilities in the U.S.-Canada relationship, Davidson sees this as a chance to reevaluate priorities, expand partnerships, and strengthen economic resilience.
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