‘Big win’ kept ag tariffs off table: trade rep

Retaliatory tariffs on American agriculture was a possibility earlier this year, according to Manitoba’s U.S. trade representative.

Richard Madan says he banded together with various groups — Manitoba Pork, Keystone Agricultural Producers, cattle representatives — to rally against the move.

“We mobilized quickly,” Madan said during a trip to Winnipeg on Thursday.

Madan said he’d heard tariffs on agriculture were “on the table” upon speaking to Janice Charette, Canada’s chief trade negotiator to the U.S., in Washington.

The conversation came as Canada pondered its response to Section 338 tariffs, which U.S. President Donald Trump announced in July. The 50 per cent tariffs covered a swath of Canadian-made goods, including hockey sticks and honey.

Madan said he worked with Manitoba’s agriculture industry to put pressure on Canada’s agriculture minister.

“When we saw the retaliatory tariffs by Canada, agriculture was not affected,” Madan said.

“That was a big win.”

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald’s office didn’t respond immediately by end of day Thursday.

Manitoba Pork’s general manager declined to comment on specific cases.

“We do talk to Canadian officials and ministers about ensuring that (the) market stays free-flowing in both directions,” Cam Dahl said. “We have a very strong relationship with Richard, so, of course, we have those conversations with him.”

The United States is Manitoba’s largest export market for pigs and pork. More than three million weanlings ship south of the border annually.

Dahl made a trip to Iowa, to promote trade, in a delegation Madan hosted in August. Madan said he’s gauging interest in a trip to Georgia.

“Georgia is a natural state,” the trade representative said. “There’s economic ties.”

Madan named crossovers in film and agriculture sectors. Price Industries, a Manitoba-based HVAC product manufacturer, has American headquarters in the state.

Madan was scheduled to meet local business leaders after a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday.

He said he’s been focused on connecting with state-level politicians and entities as the U.S. prepares for its midterm elections. Americans cast their ballots on Nov. 3.

Madan highlighted Virginia, Maryland, Iowa, Wisconsin, Georgia and Illinois as target states.

“(They’re) removed from the Washington bubble,” Madan told a crowd at the chamber event. “Relations at the state level are far more positive, and we’re making so much progress.”

Leadership has been building a base in Iowa for “continuing positive relationships,” he added.

Madan is aiming to bring a delegation from U.S. Congress to Manitoba “when these (political) tensions subside,” he later told reporters.

He’s been emphasizing Manitoba’s critical minerals, agriculture, aerospace and Arctic landscape during meetings, he said.

Manitoba — and Canada at large — has been pushing sovereignty and less reliance on the United States. Still, Canadian officials are promoting the country’s critical minerals to the U.S.

“It’s a delicate balance,” Madan said. “We’re part of the Team Canada message.”

Such discussions don’t diminish Canadian sovereignty, said Loren Remillard, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s president.

“Right now, our biggest trading relationship is with the United States. It’s strained, but this too shall pass,” Remillard said.

“We will enter a period — hopefully, in the near future — where we’re somewhat returning to normalized relations and we can talk about investments that support a North American security, North American well-being.”

The Washington office must be viewed with a longer-term perspective, Remillard added. He called it “critical” to have Manitoba’s voice among fellow provinces at the Canadian embassy.

He’s noticed a “greater appreciation for Manitoba, and understanding what Manitoba can bring to the table” from counterparts in U.S. border state chambers.

Madan made headlines for his compensation package earlier this year. He was appointed in 2025.

The chamber is in regular contact with Madan as issues emerge, Remillard said, adding he expects tariffs to continue, to some extent, regardless of the U.S. midterm election results.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com