Summer break has begun for Manitoba MLAs following an extended emergency session of the legislature.

Blaine Pedersen, the province's Growth, Enterprise and Trade minister said however, there is still work to do even though session has wrapped up. That being said, the Midland MLA noted the summer break allows him to get out into the constituency more often and Pedersen said he looks forward to attending the various festivals and events that are planned throughout the summer.

Pedersen did add that he will be keeping an eye on the ongoing international trade climate this summer as the federal government continues NAFTA renegotiations with the U.S. and Mexico. Canada also remains embroiled in tariff disputes with the United States with retaliatory tariffs on imported U.S. goods set to take effect July 1.

The minister said he's reached out to a number of businesses here in Manitoba that will be affected by these tariffs.

"The interesting part is that they're going to be affected by the proposed Canadian tariffs being imposed on U.S. goods perhaps more than they are by the U.S. tariffs," explained Pedersen. "The biggest thing is that it creates uncertainty in business and business does not like uncertainty."

As for the upcoming fall sitting of the legislature, Pedersen couldn't give away too much due to a government media blackout as a by-election is currently underway in Manitoba. He did however encourage Manitobans to stay tuned.

From what he understands, Pedersen noted the federal government is getting close to solving the Churchill rail line issue and said that will be great news for all of Manitoba, especially the North.