WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has issued a statement reaffirming Manitoba’s continued support for free trade and open markets following the recent conclusion of the seventh round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations in Mexico and the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in Chile.
“Manitoba has always been a trading province,” said Pallister in statement issued late last month. “As we work to reinvigorate economic development and opportunities at home, it is critical that we have predictable, open access to North American and international markets for the world-class goods and services that hardworking Manitobans produce every day.”
The statement said the Manitoba government continues to advocate for free trade and the North American economic partnership as part of its collaboration with businesses and communities, including contacts at all levels of government in the United States.
“With agriculture and energy being our two largest industries, a healthy trading partnership with Manitoba and Canada is essential to a strong economy in North Dakota,” said North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. “Trade between our two countries supports more than 28,000 jobs in North Dakota, and last year we exported US$4.4 billion in goods to Canada, or 83 per cent of our total exports. While we believe our trade agreements need to be updated, it’s critical that we maintain the trading partnership that benefits producers and consumers on both sides of the border.”
The premier noted Manitoba will continue advocating against unfair protectionist measures that may affect Manitoba’s exports.
“Tariffs are taxes by another name, and no jurisdiction can tax its way to prosperity,” said Pallister. “Jobs are created by companies that have the opportunity to trade and grow, but jobs are taken away by imposing additional costs on businesses and consumers.”
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