The United States government is closing its consulate in Winnipeg as part of a broader reduction of its diplomatic presence overseas.

The U.S. State Department confirmed the decision after notifying Congress that five smaller diplomatic missions would be shut down. The affected posts include the American Presence Post in Winnipeg, the U.S. Embassy in Grenada, consulates in Nagoya, Japan and Medan, Indonesia and an embassy branch office in Douala, Cameroon.

A date for the Winnipeg closure has not been publicly announced.

The State Department has said it is reviewing its international operations to ensure the American diplomatic network is efficient and effective. The five closures are expected to save the U.S. government about US$4.4 million annually.

The Winnipeg office is one of the smallest posts affected by the decision, employing two locally hired staff members. The office does not offer the full range of services generally associated with a large consulate but serves as a diplomatic link between the United States and the region.

Its work has included supporting relations with provincial governments, businesses and community organizations while representing American interests in the region.

The United States re-established a permanent diplomatic presence in Winnipeg in 2001. At the time, the opening was promoted as a sign of the close relationship between the United States and Manitoba.

The closure comes as the U.S. government continues restructuring the State Department and reducing parts of the federal bureaucracy.

Officials had considered closing a larger number of foreign missions during earlier restructuring discussions. The White House Office of Management and Budget reportedly proposed eliminating as many as 30 posts, although the current announcement covers five locations.

At the same time, the United States is spending money to restore diplomatic operations in other locations. It has reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela and is moving toward reopening embassies in Damascus, Syria and Tripoli, Libya.

Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan called the Winnipeg decision disappointing and said it raises concerns about the province’s efforts to strengthen trade relations with the United States.

Khan also criticized Premier Wab Kinew’s government over the cost of Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, arguing the province has failed to secure enough investment or new trade agreements.

The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and the country’s other Canadian consulates are expected to remain open.

The Winnipeg closure comes during a period of continued trade and political friction between Canada and the United States. However, the State Department has presented the decision as part of a wider international cost-cutting and restructuring program rather than a measure directed specifically at Canada.