The Manitoba government is investing up to $1.5 million in grant funding to the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) to develop a made-in-Manitoba program that will offer tariff response support and programming for Manitoba manufacturers that may be impacted by United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“While President Trump threatens our economy with tariffs, we’re standing up for Manitoba workers and the businesses that power our economy,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “By partnering with CME, we’re ensuring that Manitoba manufacturers are equipped to respond to the impacts of U.S. tariffs.”
“CME is pleased to see Manitoba step up with important funding to help manufacturers respond to tariffs,” said Terry Shaw, regional vice-president, Prairies, CME. “This tariff response programming will provide our manufacturers with the tools they need to diversify their markets, protect Manitoba jobs and mitigate the impact of tariffs.
The made-in-Manitoba tariff response program includes business and workforce training on tariffs and market diversification, a made-in-Manitoba summit to promote business-to-business connections and financial support for tariff planning consultations.
“We’re proud to invest in CME to support Manitoba’s manufacturers in Trump-proofing our economy and strengthening supply chains across the province,” said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses. “This made-in-Manitoba tariff response program will help businesses continue to grow in this uncertain economic climate.”
CME’s expertise in the manufacturing industry makes them a strong partner to reach Manitoba manufacturers and equip them with information and support to face the economic uncertainty of the proposed tariffs, noted the minister.
Budget 2025 outlined protections from potential tariffs which included tax deferrals for Manitoba businesses and up to $200 million in loans and targeted supports to help businesses address the challenges of tariffs and pivot to new markets. The province has also created a U.S. Trade Council and launched the Support Manitoba. Buy Local. campaign to help Manitobans support the province’s business community and workforce by purchasing local goods and services.
