Manitoba businesses hit hard as Canada-U.S. trade talks collapse

Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. collapsed, leading to 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods like honey. Manitoba businesses now face significant financial strain as exports are blocked and costs rise. Manitoba honey producer Phil Veldhuis ships 90 per cent of his honey to a cooperative for U.S. markets, but the tariff acts like an embargo, halting sales and payments. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the American demands unfair and plans counter tariffs starting September 8, with Premier Wab Kinew's full support. Chuck Davidson of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce says many businesses cannot easily pivot away from U.S. trade. Derek Hird of Evolution Wheel fears higher costs from counter tariffs on imported materials. Both federal and provincial governments have promised support for affected industries.