By: Winnipeg Tribune Staff Writer
Winnipeg, April 18, 2024 - After three days of meetings, Premier Wab Kinew and his delegation have wrapped up their trade mission in Washington, D.C., aimed at forging strong partnerships with the United States and bolstering job opportunities for Manitobans.
“Manitoba has a compelling narrative to share,” stated Kinew. “With our abundance of critical minerals, robust Hydro grid, and skilled workforce, we are primed to fuel the global low-carbon economy for generations. In Washington, we welcomed stakeholders from business, government, and labor to embrace the Manitoba momentum, collaborating to enhance the quality of life for individuals on both sides of the border.”
The delegation, comprised of Ministers Jamie Moses and Lisa Naylor, former Ambassador Gary Doer, and members of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council spanning various sectors, engaged in discussions with elected officials from across the United States. They championed Manitoba-made resources and innovative solutions addressing contemporary challenges, including agriculture, low-carbon energy, and equitable labor practices.
Additionally, the premier convened with leaders from both Canadian and American business sectors, exploring avenues to stimulate Manitoba’s economy and foster additional well-paying jobs for Manitobans.
This fruitful mission not only fortified Manitoba’s ties with partners across the United States but also cultivated new connections poised to benefit Manitobans for years to come.
Among the delegates from the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council were Stacy Kennedy of the Mining Association of Manitoba, Jill Verewey of Keystone Agricultural Producers, Bram Strain of the Business Council of Manitoba, Paul Soubry of NFI Group Inc., Mike Pulak of the United Steelworkers Manitoba Area, Ash Modha of Mondetta Clothing, Loren Remillard of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Gustavo Zentner of International Point of Commerce and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Ryan Kuffner of Economic Development Winnipeg, and Chuck Fraley of Price Industries. Former Premier Gary Doer, volunteering as an advisor, lent his expertise on trade with the United States to the delegation.