By MCC Staff with files from Wendy King, Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba’s economy is deeply rooted in trade, with two-way commerce with the United States totalling approximately $42 bil-lion annually. Each year, Manitoba exports $18-billion worth of goods south of the border, supported by more than 1,800 local companies actively engaged in U.S. markets. This robust trading relationship is a cornerstone of the province’s economic vitality and global competitiveness.
Canada’s significant economic reliance on the United States has been subject of much analysis and debate among economists and policymakers. According to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, this heavy reliance exposes Canada to fluctuations in U.S. economic conditions and trade policies and has made us particularly vulnerable.
“The change in administration south of the border has resulted in a significantly altered trading and economic landscape compared to just a few months ago,” says Elisabeth Saftiuk, vice-president of policy and government relations at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “This shift has introduced new uncertainties and significant challenges for businesses.”
Given the climate of geopolitical uncertainty, the provincial chamber says that dismantling interprovincial trade barriers — the rules, regulations or restrictions that make it harder for businesses to buy, sell or move goods and services between provinces — is no longer an option; it’s a necessity.
“Many interprovincial trade barriers come from provincial regulations, like licensing, certification rules or differing standards,” Saftiuk adds. “Without co-ordination amongst provinces, these rules persist or even multiply, making it difficult for businesses to operate freely across borders.”
In response to the urgency of the moment and the growing need for collaboration and co-ordination, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce convened provincial chambers from across the country in March to launch a new, purpose-driven initiative called “Chambers of the Federation.”
“The idea for Chambers of the Federation came from a meeting I had last summer with Ontario Premier Doug Ford,” says Daniel Tisch, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “I had requested the meeting to discuss his priorities as chair of the Council of the Federation and to add a key priority to his agenda: the dismantling of interprovincial trade barriers.”
Recognizing that provinces and territories have a unique opportunity to drive long-term economic growth by strengthening domestic trade, investment and workforce mobility, this initiative — modelled after the premiers’ Council of the Federation — underscores the need for bold, co-ordinated action to build a more competitive economy rooted in a strengths-based approach.
“The U.S. tariff and trade crisis has created a new urgency for this kind of collaboration, as Canada seeks to become more competitive and more resilient,” Tisch adds. “The Chambers of the Federation can play a key role in making that vision a reality.”
The Chambers of the Federation outlined four urgent priorities for action: eliminating barriers to interprovincial trade; committing to the development of a national East-West energy corridor with the necessary infrastructure; strengthening domestic procurement and local supply chains; and accelerating the renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Free Trade Agreement.
The Ontario Chamber emphasized that the most effective way to encourage co-ordinated action from all premiers was through a unified recommendation from all provincial chambers. Tisch successfully brought together all provincial and territorial chamber leaders to collaborate in a unified way — an approach that was met with enthusiastic support from his colleagues.
“This kind of collaboration comes naturally to all of us: the very concept of chambers of commerce is to bring leaders together to achieve things none of us could achieve alone,” Tisch says.
Saftiuk agrees, adding that local chambers throughout the country are playing an important role.
“Chambers of commerce can serve as stabilizing anchors, trusted advocates and powerful connectors for businesses navigating change,” she says. “They are a trusted source of information and can provide timely, relevant and credible guidance.”
To support businesses during this period of uncertainty, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has launched a comprehensive Trade Portal on its website, offering timely and reliable information related to trade and tariffs. The Trade Portal can be accessed by visiting the chamber’s website: mbchamber.mb.ca/advocacy/trade-portal
“We are doing what we can to ensure we are a trusted vehicle for delivering credible information to businesses, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities and make informed decisions,” Saftiuk adds.
“Our chamber exists — and draws its strength and relevance — from the business community we serve, and our unwavering focus is to support that community always, but especially during times like these.” ■
About MBiz Magazine
In line with our mandate to make Manitoba the best place to live and work, we’ve joined forces with The Free Press to publish an exciting bi-annual magazine showcasing our province’s inspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. MBiz also shines the spotlight on community and regional Chambers of Commerce throughout Manitoba and their vital role in fostering economic development, making MBiz a recognized and compelling business tool.
