**Manitoba MLA Calls for Greater Focus on Economic Competitiveness Amid Canada‑U.S. Trade Talks**
WINNIPEG – In a column published on September 1, 2026, Manitoba opposition MLA Konrad Narth urged the provincial government to prioritize measures that would improve the province’s economic competitiveness rather than relying on political rhetoric surrounding the ongoing Canada‑U.S. trade negotiations.
Narth, who serves as the opposition critic for Economic Development and Agriculture and is also a farmer and business owner, referenced recent comments made by Premier Wab Kinew. Kinew described U.S. President Donald Trump as a “bad person” who is “not to be trusted,” and has warned that Canada must be prepared to “fight back” in trade discussions. Narth noted that while such statements have generated media attention, they do not address the underlying question of how Manitoba can strengthen its economy.
According to the column, the United States remains Canada’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 70 percent of Canada’s merchandise exports. Narth emphasized that the proximity of the United States to southern Manitoba makes the American market a “neighbor, customer and supplier” rather than a distant foreign market.
The MLA argued that diversification of trade should focus on adding new customers in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets, rather than attempting to replace the United States as the primary trading partner. He advocated for a “Canada First” approach that would involve:
* Accelerating development of natural resources and bringing mines into production.
* Expanding infrastructure, manufacturing, food processing, and agricultural operations.
* Reducing regulatory burdens, including taxes, permitting timelines, and other bureaucratic costs that he says can deter investment and job creation.
Narth contended that government policy can either hinder or help business competitiveness. He warned that “every dollar a business spends navigating unnecessary bureaucracy is a dollar that cannot be invested in equipment, wages, expansion or innovation,” and that prolonged regulatory processes can delay projects that would otherwise generate jobs and tax revenue.
While expressing opposition to tariffs on Canadian products—citing potential negative impacts on businesses, workers, and consumers on both sides of the border—Narth also criticized personal attacks on President Trump as an ineffective economic strategy. He described Trump’s negotiation style as seeking “leverage and weakness” and suggested that Canada’s strongest response is to build a more robust economy.
The column concluded with a call for concrete actions: lower taxes, reduce red tape, and promote development across mining, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors, with the goal of selling Canadian products to the United States and other global markets.
Narth offered to discuss the issues further, providing his contact information: email info@konradnarth.ca and phone 204‑434‑6736.
Article source: thecarillon.com | Image credit: Athabasca Advocate
