Manitoba pushed Ottawa to keep retaliatory tariffs off farm products

When Canada was looking to hit back at U.S. tariffs this summer, Manitoba's U.S. Trade Representative Richard Madden says he learned agriculture could be part of Canada's retaliation. He says it came up in a meeting with Canada's top trade negotiator. So then we mobilized quickly, worked with Manitoba Pork, Keystone, Cattle Association, and we worked together to put pressure on the federal agriculture minister, and that message was conveyed. In the end, Canada's retaliatory tariffs largely spared agriculture imports into the country, except for many dairy products. At an event Thursday with Winnipeg business leaders, Madden says his lobbying shows Manitoba needs a trade office in Washington. You have a federal government with an embassy present there. They have their priorities. And it's not Manitoba. It's the auto sector. It is big picture stuff. Ontario, Quebec and Alberta have had a U.S. trade office for years. while Manitoba's office just opened last year. It's important that we share Manitoba's story because if we don't do it, no one will. In his meetings, Madden says he pitches lawmakers on the three A's of Manitoba's economy, Arctic, agriculture, and aerospace. And he talks up mining, too. The Winnipeg Chamber says word is getting around. In my conversations with my counterparts in U.S. border state chambers, a greater appreciation for Manitoba and understanding what Manitoba can bring to the table for the United States. Madden says he's looking to bring some American lawmakers to Manitoba, but says those plans are on hold until trade tensions ease. Ian Fraser, CBC News, Winnipeg.