WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government launched a website and advertising campaign Wednesday to convince people to buy local products and support businesses threatened by potential tariffs from the United States.
The website links to retail associations, farm co-operatives and local shopping platforms within the province. The ad campaign will see $140,000 spent over the next month to urge consumers to spend their money with local businesses in mind.
"Whether you're at the grocery store or whether you're heading for a night out and supporting some of the businesses that support our jobs, it's just the way to go," Premier Wab Kinew said, flanked by members of his NDP caucus. They brandished tote bags that feature an outline of the province and the slogan "Buy Local."
While the government shopped locally for the tote bags made by a Winnipeg graphic design company, it's not clear how much of its ad campaign will see dollars spent domestically.
The government regularly buys ads on international social media sites such as Facebook, and Kinew did not directly answer Wednesday when asked how much of the government's advertising dollars are going to local companies.
A government news release said the campaign will start on digital platforms and later expand to billboards and radio.
Manitoba Food and Beverage, an association that represents producers, processors and retailers, welcomed the ad campaign and expressed concern about the impact of the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"We export globally. The prospect of that 25 per cent tariff could mean life and death for a lot of (our) companies," Michael Mikulak, the group's executive director, said.
"When you support Manitoba-made, you support your community."
The tariffs from the U.S. had been set to start Tuesday, but Trump announced he would hold off for a month and give more time to reach an economic deal with Canada and Mexico.
The Manitoba government had planned to remove American alcohol products from liquor store shelves as a retaliatory measure, but has paused that plan.
Kinew has also asked his cabinet ministers to examine possible methods to prevent U.S. companies from bidding on Manitoba government contracts if the U.S. follows through on its tariff threat.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2025
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
