Canada’s trading relationship with the United States is entering a period of continued uncertainty, and Manitoba businesses are watching closely. For a province deeply connected to cross-border trade and North American supply chains, changes in tariffs and trade policy can have real implications for purchasing decisions, operating costs and access to products and materials.
To better understand how Manitobans are viewing these issues, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Business Council of Manitoba and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce came together to initiate public opinion research through the Manitoba Omnibus. The September 2026 survey of 1,000 Manitobans, conducted by Abacus Data, examined views on Canada-U.S. trade, tariffs and their potential economic impacts. The Manitoba Omnibus is a long-standing Manitoba public opinion survey originally conducted by Probe Research.
One finding stands out for Manitoba businesses: Manitobans want businesses to consider where they are buying from and, where possible, prioritize Canadian suppliers.
A strong appetite for buying Canadian
A strong majority of Manitobans believe businesses should support Canadian suppliers where possible. More than half say businesses should prioritize Canadian suppliers when it makes sense to do so, while three in 10 believe companies should choose Canadian suppliers even when the Canadian option is more expensive.
Only one in 10 believe businesses should always purchase from whichever supplier offers the lowest price, regardless of where that supplier is located.
For businesses, this creates an important balance between public expectations and the realities of procurement. Price, quality, reliability and availability remain critical considerations, but the current trade environment is prompting organizations to take a closer look at their supply chains and whether Canadian sourcing can provide greater resilience.
Procurement is part of the trade conversation
The question for Manitoba businesses isn’t simply whether to “buy Canadian.” It is also about understanding risk and opportunity within existing supply chains.
Where are key products and materials coming from? How exposed are suppliers to tariffs? Are there Manitoba or Canadian alternatives? Could diversifying suppliers reduce the risk of future disruptions?
These questions are particularly important for businesses that rely on products crossing the Canada-U.S. border multiple times before reaching the end customer. The research suggests Manitobans are receptive to businesses considering these broader factors in their procurement decisions, while recognizing that Canadian sourcing may not always be the most economical or practical option.
Tariffs add pressure
Eight in 10 Manitobans expect tariffs to negatively affect Manitoba’s economy. The most common concerns include higher prices for goods and services, weaker economic performance and job losses. Three-quarters are concerned businesses will pull back on investment, while six in 10 worry about losing access to certain products.
For businesses, these concerns can translate into higher input costs, changing supplier prices, longer lead times and greater uncertainty when planning purchases and investments.
That makes procurement and supply-chain planning increasingly important not just as a response to current tariffs, but as part of longer-term risk management.
An opportunity for Manitoba suppliers
The findings also point to an opportunity for Manitoba businesses that provide products and services locally or within Canada.
As organizations review their supply chains and look for Canadian alternatives, Manitoba suppliers have an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. That could mean manufacturers identifying opportunities to replace imported components, service providers making their capabilities more visible, or businesses partnering to meet procurement needs.
For purchasers, it may mean looking beyond familiar vendors and asking whether a Manitoba or Canadian business can meet the need.
The Canada-U.S. trade relationship will continue to evolve. Businesses cannot control every change in tariffs or trade policy, but they can examine the areas within their control.
Procurement is one of them.
As this research shows, Manitobans are increasingly interested in seeing businesses support Canadian suppliers where it makes sense while continuing to make the practical purchasing decisions needed to remain competitive.
