Singh: Water, Health Care, and Indigenous Rights Are Not for Sale in Trump Trade Talks

WINNIPEG – As Donald Trump ramps up trade threats, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh delivered a clear message from Manitoba: Canada’s water, public health care, environmental protections, and Indigenous Treaty rights are not bargaining chips—and New Democrats will be there to make sure no government dares to put them on the table.

Standing with workers in Winnipeg, Singh warned that Trump’s “America First” approach could place pressure on Canada to roll back core protections and exploit public resources.

New Democrats committed to protecting key sectors from being exploited in future trade deals, including:

• Strategic resources like critical minerals and fresh water
• Public infrastructure like hydro and transit
• Health care, pharmaceutical supply chains and domestic manufacturing
• Charter rights, labour protections, environmental rules, and Treaty rights

“We’ve seen what happens when trade deals are made in secret,” said Singh. “Canadians end up paying the price. Our water, our health care, and our rights are not for sale—and no government has the right to trade them away.”

Singh reminded the Liberals that the NDP forced the government to bring transparency and oversight to all new trade negotiations. That means:

• Tabling a notice of intent in the House of Commons at least 90 days before trade talks begin
• Presenting clear negotiating objectives 30 days before negotiations
• Publishing a full economic impact assessment before any implementing legislation is introduced

“Canadians deserve to know what’s being negotiated—and who benefits,” said Singh. “The days of secret trade-offs and backroom deals must end.”

Singh said the best defence against Trump is building real resilience at home—by expanding public power, lowering costs, and creating good jobs so working people aren’t left carrying the weight. His plan centres on a stronger East-West energy grid, using Manitoba’s clean power to strengthen the Prairies, connect the North, and build an economy we control—together.

Singh closed with a message to voters: “If we want to protect what makes Canada, Canada—we need to stop trading it away. That starts with drawing a line—and sending New Democrats to Ottawa to hold it.”