Small businesses across Canada are caught in the crossfire of ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., and Manitoba is no exception. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), two-thirds of Manitoba firms are struggling with tariffs on steel and aluminum, while nearly half (45%) are being hit by Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Many entrepreneurs who initially supported counter-tariffs now say they have been almost as damaging as the original U.S. measures.

In Manitoba, one in ten small firms export directly to the U.S., and another 40% import from across the border. Since the trade war began, more than half (53%) have seen profits fall, especially in the manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sectors.

“We are being hit with 25% tariffs on USA-made product

See Full Page