Manitoba government, Crown corporation say it’s too early to talk impact of tariffs

Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala delivers the provincial budget in the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The Manitoba government and officials at Manitoba Hydro say it's too early to discuss the potential fallout from tariffs threatened by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

The Manitoba government and officials at Manitoba Hydro say it’s too early to discuss the potential fallout from tariffs threatened by incoming U.S. president Donald Trump.

Trump, who is to be sworn in Monday, has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if the country doesn’t curb the flow of drugs and migrants across the border.

Government and hydro officials were asked what the economic impact would be and whether Manitoba might retaliate by curbing hydro exports.

Hydro president Allan Danroth says it’s too early to speculate on the effect of the potential tariffs.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala says the NDP government won’t engage in hypothetical talk about what might happen, but promises the government will be ready.

Progressive Conservative hydro critic Lauren Stone says the government appears to have no plan to deal with threats from the president.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2025.