Manitoba's Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade says talks are underway to have the province join the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

Cliff Cullen says work is underway to have Manitoba join British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. “It's a deal that offer enormous potential for our province and I look forward to having Manitoba on board by this fall.”

Cullen hopes to have the Province of Manitoba on board by the middle of August.

“Manitoba companies and families will see the benefits of expanded opportunities and partnerships under the NWP and we look forward to making that happen within the first 100 days of being in office.”

The minister added the western provinces have a lot in common and Manitoba businesses will have a chance to do a lot more work out of province because of the partnership deal.

The Northwest Partnership was created in 2010 by Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Cullen added with the inclusion of Manitoba, NWP will cover over 30 per cent of the Canadian population and the significant economic potential of all four western provinces.