WINNIPEG — Politicians have returned to the Manitoba legislative chamber, where tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are dominating debate.
Josh Guenter, a member of the Opposition Progressive Conservatives, pointed to a recent opinion poll that suggested 43 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 would consider annexation if offered U.S. citizenship and conversion of Canadian financial assets to U.S. dollars.
Guenter said it's no wonder, given issues such as high household debt and lower wages in Canada.
That prompted shouting in the chamber from the governing New Democrats and criticism from Premier Wab Kinew, who said Canada will never become the 51st state.
The governing New Democrats also introduced several bills that will debated in the spring sitting.
One will let the government stop convenience stores from serving alcohol in dining areas while another would prevent any new licences for gas stations and convenience stores to sell cannabis.
Another bill will require pipeline operators to quickly report any shutdowns caused by emergencies.
Imperial Oil shut down a pipeline last year due to safety concerns, prompting gasoline to be shipped by truck and raising fears of shortages.
Kinew said this week the U.S. tariffs will be a "serious economic headwind" as the NDP government prepares its spring budget, and one priority is protecting jobs during the uncertainty.
Manitoba has pulled U.S. alcohol products from liquor store shelves, and Kinew has said other options being considered include restricting U.S. companies from getting contracts with the provincial government.
The province has run deficits in every year but two since 2009, and the government has promised to balance the budget before the next election in 2027.
It has already seen that plan challenged because of some departments, most notably health, running over budget this fiscal year.
One political analyst says the government will continue to face public expectations to fulfil promises to improve health care and address inflation despite its fiscal challenges and the effects of U.S. tariffs.
"I think there's still a concern about affordability. I think there's still the concern about health care, correcting problems in the health-care system," said Christopher Adams, an adjunct professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba.
Opinion polls have suggested Kinew's New Democrats continue to enjoy strong support from voters.
The Tories are rebuilding after losing the October 2023 election. They are to elect a new leader in April after the resignation of former premier Heather Stefanson more than a year ago.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2025.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
