In response to a verbal altercation between Doug Ford and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, Manitoba’s premier expressed his support for the Ontario premier.
“I fully support Doug Ford, 100 percent. We are united as Team Canada,” Wab Kinew stated after attending a meeting with the Manitoba government’s U.S. trade council late Monday afternoon.
During a Toronto radio show on Monday morning, Ford told Trump to “kiss my ass.”
In retaliation, the U.S. president took to social media, labeling the Ontario premier as “Flunky Ford” and describing him as the “less charismatic, intelligent” counterpart of his late brother, Rob Ford.
At a press conference in Hamilton earlier that day, the Ontario premier reaffirmed his previous statements.
“I won’t be taking advice from someone who is the king of bankruptcies,” he remarked.
Upon leaving the meeting in Winnipeg, Kinew mentioned that he had just spoken with Ford.
When asked about their conversation, Manitoba’s premier replied, “You’ll see in the days to come.”
Kinew indicates that Manitobans will ‘see in the days to come’ what he discussed with Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday. (Prabhjot Singh Lotey/CBC)
Kinew described the meeting with the Manitoba trade council, which was created to provide guidance on how the province can diversify its trade and adapt to changes in U.S. trade policy, as “constructive.”
The meeting aimed to address the protection of Manitoba’s industries and workers against job losses, ensuring that the province’s priorities are taken into account in the federal government’s upcoming response to tariffs, according to a news release.
The attendees included members from various sectors, such as union leaders, Indigenous representatives, and those from the steel industry, Kinew noted.
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“There are significant concerns from the business community and worker representatives as people’s jobs are at risk,” he stated.
“However, there is a strong sense of unity and many constructive suggestions on how to navigate this situation.”
No additional information was provided to the media regarding the provincial or federal government’s responses to the tariffs that took effect over the weekend.
Chuck Davidson, president of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, mentioned that attendees gained further insights into the potential impacts on residents of the province and what the government is starting to prepare for.
“The next key step will be to determine which sectors and businesses are affected and what support measures are available,” he explained.
Davidson emphasized the importance of not duplicating efforts with the federal government. Ottawa is expected to announce a list of support measures for Canadian businesses impacted by the tariffs on Tuesday, along with details regarding counter-tariffs.
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“We will assess what that entails, identify the gaps, and determine which industries in Manitoba may be affected and how we can assist,” he added.
Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan stated in a Monday interview with Radio-Canada that any response from the province must be prompt.
“The premier needs to be transparent, forthcoming, and present a viable plan for Manitobans,” Khan asserted.
“We require a program, and we need it urgently. Support must reach the businesses that are directly impacted.”
Representatives from business and labour sectors met in Winnipeg on Monday to discuss the latest U.S. tariffs and the supports needed to fight them.