Manitoba’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors are being hit hard by global trade instability, according to La Verendrye MLA Konrad Narth. The opposition critic for agriculture and economic development says recent months have brought new challenges for the province’s economy, particularly as tariffs and trade tensions ripple through major industries. Trade impacts being felt across Manitoba Narth says Manitoba’s exposure to international trade is showing in recent job numbers. “In Manitoba this summer, we saw significant job loss and primarily that was seen in manufacturing,” he said. “More than 5,000 jobs were lost in Manitoba, and we represented 22 per cent of the manufacturing job loss even though we represent less than five per cent of the total manufacturing jobs in Canada.” He noted that manufacturers in Steinbach and surrounding communities rely heavily on export markets, making them vulnerable to uncertainty with the United States and other global partners. Agriculture also facing new barriers Narth says many producers are hurting as a result of what he calls an ongoing “trade war” with China, which has led to tariffs on agricultural products such as canola. “There’s a significant tariff on canola and that’s reaching all across the agriculture sector and really concerning our producers,” he said. “We’ve seen neighbouring provinces like Saskatchewan successfully negotiate new trade deals, while here in Manitoba we’re not seeing results. Narth pointed to Saskatchewan’s recent agreement with Indonesia as an example, saying it has added more than a billion dollars in new trade. Calls for stronger provincial action While Manitoba recently reopened a trade office in Washington, Narth says the results have been disappointing. Earlier this year, in June, Premier Wab Kinew announced that the Manitoba government had opened a permanent office in Washington, D.C., led by former White House news correspondent Richard Madan, to build on trade and economic relationships with the U.S. that support Manitoba jobs. “The premier has hired a negotiator for nearly $400,000, and that’s come back with no new trade deals,” Narth said. “Steps have been made, but we haven’t seen the action.” He added that while the provincial government set aside funding to help offset the impact of tariffs, those programs have not yet materialized. “The government said they were ready to support businesses and farmers to access new markets,” said Narth. “But nothing has actually been put into play.” Narth says expanding export opportunities and securing new trade relationships must remain a top priority to protect Manitoba jobs and producers.