Manitoba tariff hotline to go live this weekend

A person uses a cellphone in Ottawa on July 18, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press)

The Manitoba government is preparing to help local businesses after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed significant tariffs on Canadian imports are coming on Saturday.

On Thursday, the province announced its tariff hotline will be available this coming weekend.

Through this resource, Manitobans will be able to get more information about the impacts of the tariffs.

“Our government is continuing to make the case that trade with our American neighbours is good for jobs on both sides of the border,” said Premier Wab Kinew in a news release.

“We recognize the uncertainty many businesses and workers are feeling right now, which is why we’re here to support them.”

The tariff hotline is one part of the province’s response to potential tariffs. Other measures include creating a Manitoba Trade Office in Washington, a diplomatic mission to North Dakota, and deployment of conservation officers at the border.

In late November, Trump threatened to impose across-the-board 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico.

The hotline is available online or by calling 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862.

• With files from CTV’s Danton Unger.