Manitoba Legislature Returns: Premier Kinew Announces Measures Against U.S. Tariffs

Premier Kinew announces Manitoba’s response to U.S. tariffs, issues a bulletin on new legislation, and has a by-election scheduled for March 18.  

The 2nd session of the 43rd Legislature of Manitoba has officially begun.  

What’s on the Government’s Spring Legislative Agenda? 

The Manitoba government issued a bulletin signalling some important legislation they are targeting to introduce this session, including:   

• Proposed amendments to the Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act to make it easier for those to vote in school board elections. 

• Legislation for the oil and gas sector, which would see an amendment to enhance the reliability of pipelines carrying refined petroleum products and strengthen requirements in an emergency. 

• Proposed amendments to the Housing and Renewal Corporation Act, ensuring the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation approve any changes to homes built or renovated with government funding. 

• Proposed amendments to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act to create regulations that would prohibit urban convenience stores from selling liquor, keeping it out of sight for Manitobans under the age of 18 years. 

• Proposed amendments to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act to ensure the sale of cannabis in Winnipeg and other urban areas is done so in age-restricted stores. 

The second session of Manitoba’s 43rd Legislature started on March 5 and is scheduled to rise on June 2.  

Manitoba’s Response to U.S. Tariffs 

Earlier in the week, Premier Kinew signed an executive order mandating that the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (AGLC) remove all American alcohol from provincially run liquor store shelves across the province. In addition, Kinew also announced that businesses can opt-in to defer Manitoba’s payroll tax and retail sales tax for at least three months, starting with the February tax period.  

Speaking outside the legislature on Wednesday, with his caucus behind him and a giant Canada flag flowing from the roof of the Legislature as a backdrop, he reassured Manitobans that they will speak up for Manitoba long after Trump leaves office and called Trump’s Tariffs “an economic attack on this country.” 

During the press conference, Premier Kinew indicated that the Manitoba government is considering other options in retaliation to the tariffs imposed by the U.S., including restricting companies from the U.S. from getting contracts with the provincial government and examining natural resources, hydroelectricity and procurement.  

2025 Manitoba Provincial Budget 

The government has said Manitobans can expect a March budget, but no official date has been confirmed as of this writing.  

The Manitoba NDP has continued to reiterate their commitment to their election promise—to balance the books in the first mandate. 

Transcona By-Election Scheduled for March 18 

Winnipeg residents in the constituency of Transcona will head to the polls on March 18 to elect a new MLA after the seat became vacant when Transcona MLA and Education Minister Nello Altomare passed away in January 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

A total of 4 candidates are running in the Transcona by-election: 

• Former Olympian Susan Auch, Independent, 

• Brad Boudreau, Manitoba Liberal Party, 

• Shannon Corbett, Manitoba NDP, and;  

• Former city councillor Shawn Nason, Manitoba PC Party.  

Learn more about Counsel’s locally based Manitoba team.  

Insights provided by Jodee Mason, Logan Ross, and Counsel’s Western Team.