Canada US Relations: Kinew Vows to 'Finish' Trade Fight Started by Trump

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew vowed to "finish" the US-Canada trade war Trump started, using a provincial liquor boycott as leverage. The Silicon Review reports on Manitoba's hardline stance ahead of CUSMA renewal.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has adopted the bluntest language yet from a Canadian leader in the ongoing continental trade war: "They started it, we're going to finish it." Speaking on the eve of crucial CUSMA negotiations, Kinew declared American alcohol would remain off provincial store shelves indefinitely unless the United States drops all tariffs on Canadian goods and removes the threat of future punitive measures.

Manitoba has maintained a hardline boycott of U.S. wine, beer, and spirits since February 2025, shortly after President Trump first imposed across-the-board tariffs. While some provinces have relaxed their retaliation, Kinew's government has used its control over provincial liquor distribution as a persistent bargaining chip. "Why would we stop something that's clearly working and having an effect, and driving some people that don't share our values a little wild?" Kinew told.

Kinew even deployed a provocative secondary demand for the boycott's end: the full release of all U.S. government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "Donald Trump obviously does not like talking about the Epstein files because he's mentioned in there so often," the premier added, turning the screws on a notoriously sensitive topic for the former president.

Yet beneath the tough talk and headlines, Kinew is also playing a longer strategic game. Manitoba is actively working "to move heaven and earth" on liquefied natural gas export projects out of the Port of Churchill. The premier views energy independence as a critical lever to reduce Canadian reliance on the U.S. market over the coming decade.

Kinew has also called for Ottawa to diversify trade relationships, even supporting the removal of Canada's 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles if it results in Beijing lifting retaliatory duties on Prairie canola and pork. "Every day these tariffs remain in place, the harm to Prairie producers deepens," he wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Nevertheless, with the U.S. on the eve of a presidential election and Canada pushing for a renewal of CUSMA, Kinew's message to Washington remains direct. On the liquor boycott, he says the path forward is clear: "No tariffs, no threat of tariffs, then you can have the booze back." 

As Canada-US relations pivot toward a high-stakes renegotiation of CUSMA, The Silicon Review examines how Manitoba's bare-knuckled trade tactics are reshaping provincial diplomacy and whether a liquor boycott can really force Washington to back down.

About the Author

Sashindra Suresh is an experienced writer specializing in artificial intelligence, software development, and emerging technologies. With a strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, engaging insights, she has contributed to a wide range of publications and platforms. Her work focuses on making cutting-edge innovations accessible to both industry professionals and curious readers alike.