Manitoba’s U.S. trade rep talks about work in Washington

Manitoba’s U.S. trade rep Richard Madan shares what he’s been working on and how it’s shaping trade and economic ties.

Manitoba’s U.S. trade representative is sharing details of his work in Washington, D.C., and addressing the public disclosure of his salary.

Richard Madan said he’s met with at least three dozen members of Congress during his nine months in the position. He noted he’s working to relay all that Manitoba has to offer, including its agricultural supply chain, abundance of critical minerals and Arctic security.

Madan said his interactions are getting “more positive” as time has gone on, noting that Congress members are becoming more receptive.

“The meetings at the start, sometimes there was a bit of hostility,” he said.

“But now as we approach a midterm election year and American lawmakers are feeling the impact of tariffs. They are feeling the impact of this trade war with Canada [and] they are more open to it.”

In the coming weeks, Madan said his work will involve attending two different summits—one with a focus on the Arctic and another on critical minerals.

Money talks

CTV News previously reported Madan’s $387,000 annual salary, which prompted some criticism from the Opposition PCs.

Madan noted his salary is in line with all the other provinces, adding that it’s an important time to advance and protect the economy.

“If there’s a time to do this, it’s now,” he said.

Though Madan doesn’t have a background in trade negotiations, he said his decade-long work as a journalist in Washington has helped prepare him for the role.

He explained he approaches the job in the style of a reporter—calling sources, speaking to members of Congress and utilizing his network.

“I know the place. I have a built-in contact list,” he said.

“Covering Congress, the White House for 10 years, I know the stakeholders.”

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé and The Canadian Press