U.S. president Donald Trump hit most countries with a 10% baseline tariff on imports on Wednesday, but goods imported under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement are exempt. However, previous 25% levies on Canadian steel and aluminum – and auto imports will go ahead. The move has triggered a two week shutdown at the Stellantis plant in Windsor starting next week.
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Financial markets around the world are reeling today following Trump’s latest round of tariffs. The S&P was down 3.3%, the Dow down 2.7% – the Nasdaq, 4.5% – markets in France, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea – all down. Even gold pulled lower and the U.S. dollar is down against other currencies. The fear is these tariffs on imports on all countries could usher in a global recession.
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Ahead of yesterday’s latest Trump tariffs – Premier Wab Kinew announced increased support for Manitoba’s agriculture sector. The government is promising $10 million in additional matching funds for the AgriStability program – as well as $140.8 million for business risk management programs such as AgriInsurance and AgriInvest.
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On the federal election campaign trail today – Liberal Leader Mark Carney is expected in Montreal after meeting virtually with the premiers about U-S tariffs. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh will make an announcement in Ottawa, before making his way to Montreal – and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will hold a press conference in Kingston and a rally in Oshawa. Election Day is April 28th.
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Manitoba RCMP say they’ve made headway in solving the murder of a 40-year-old Indigenous woman. Melinda Lynxleg’s body was discovered in 2023 at an abandoned property in San Clara, Manitoba – more than three years after she disappeared. Police say more details are expected to be released in the near future.
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Starbucks in the U.S. was facing two new lawsuits over spilled hot drinks Wednesday, just weeks after a court ordered the coffee giant to pay $50 million to a man injured by a cup of tea. Both suits were lodged in California, and seek damages over problems caused by scalding liquids slopped over customers at drive-throughs. Starbucks says the $50-million award is excessive and it’ll appeal.
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A new exhibit opens this weekend at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Brandon featuring 20 contemporary Indigenous women artists. ‘Prairie Thunder’ showcases art created using different mediums including painted moose hide, beading, photographs and drums. An opening reception will be held Saturday for the exhibit that runs until June.
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It’s Day 4 of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon, and today’s theme is Recycle Everywhere Forever Royal Kids Day. There will be a variety of family-friendly activities, and the day marks the return of the Forever Royal Community Ticket Program. Local businesses and organizations will provide free tickets to select families in the Brandon area. The fair runs until Saturday.
