REGINA, Sask. — Premier Scott Moe is reacting to the latest executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump banning certain Canadian goods from the country.
The U.S. response targeting Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles came soon after Canada’s counter-tariffs took effect on Sept. 8. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Moe had this to say about the latest turn of events:
“The latest round of U.S. tariffs will have relatively little net impact on Saskatchewan. While some Saskatchewan exports like wooden furniture and honey have had tariffs increased, other Saskatchewan exports like salt and electrical panels have actually seen the tariffs removed. About 94 per cent of Saskatchewan exports to the U.S. remain tariff-free.
“However, some Saskatchewan businesses and workers have been disproportionately affected, facing market disruptions, higher costs and lost opportunities through no fault of their own. We will continue working alongside those businesses as we advocate for Saskatchewan's interests.
“Our goal should be 100 per cent tariff-free exports as tariffs hurt businesses, workers and families on both sides of the border.
“Our government will continue working to keep our economy strong and steady by expanding our export markets to other countries and working to restore free and fair trade with our largest trading partner, the U.S.”
Premier Moe is currently on a trade mission to the United Kingdom, where he is attending the World Nuclear Symposium this week.
In response, Opposition Leader Carla Beck issued a statement in which she again denounced Moe for not doing enough to address the tariff and trade situation.
"Once again, we see Scott Moe downplaying the impact of the U.S. attack on our economy and sovereignty. Even though he acknowledges that some Saskatchewan businesses and workers are being disproportionately affected, he refuses to step in with either supports or retaliation. This is not leadership. It is the opposite.
"We need to see a response—or, at the very least, some action to stand up for workers who risk losing their jobs and livelihoods because of this attack from the United States. How many jobs need to be lost or businesses need to close before Scott Moe grows a backbone and stands up for Saskatchewan workers?"
