Manitoba premier says he’s looking for ways to ban U.S. companies from bids

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says he is looking for ways to prevent companies in the United States from bidding on provincial contracts.

Kinew says his cabinet ministers with portfolios tied to the economy have been tasked with looking to change procurement procedures.

Kinew says if United States President Donald Trump is intent on taking jobs out of Manitoba, the province has to fight back.

The comments come one day after Kinew and other premiers announced plans to pull U.S. liquor products off shelves, in response to Trump’s plans for tariffs on Canadian goods.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault has talked about restricting American access to public contracts.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province will rip up a 100-million-dollar contract with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to deliver high-speed internet to remote areas.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2025

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: 874fe5f78c2dd09ba931ba444a7ea7edcd9666966ec2f893c855410868a5dbf5.jpg, Caption:

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, third left, meets with his U.S.trade advisory council at the Manitoba legislature on Monday Feb. 3, 2025. Kinew said he is looking for ways to restrict U.S. companies from bidding on Manitoba government contracts in response to tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert

–>