SASKATOON—Premier Scott Moe, speaking to the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities members on Wednesday, March 12, at Prairieland Park, is calling on the people of Saskatchewan to remain united against a volatile trade environment with the US and China, two of Canada’s largest trading partners.
The US threatened 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel and 25 per cent on other goods crossing south of the border. President Trump, however, chose to delay imposing the tariffs until April 2. Despite Trump’s decision, Canada enacted 25 per cent duties on $30 billion worth of US imports, which took effect on March 4.
China, meanwhile, slapped 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian seafood after Canada’s 100 per cent levy on all Chinese-made electric vehicles. This will affect the seafood industry in the Maritime provinces like Nova Scotia.
Though Moe did not identify the officials, he accused several national and provincial leaders of ignoring the situation for almost a decade, which brought about the crisis and problem that the province and Canada are experiencing regarding free and fair trade between the neighbouring countries.
“You cannot ignore the consequences of reality. And that is what we are dealing with here today as we face what is a crisis for our province and our nation where we have free and fair trade that is being threatened by our largest trading partner, as well as our second largest trading partner, the two largest economies in the world,” said Moe.
“We’ve been there all along to advocate, educate, promote, and augment and enhance national-level initiatives, regardless of who the government is. And we’ll continue to do just that. Build those relationships, seek out those export markets, and do everything we can to protect the market share we have in those markets today.”
With trade tensions rising between Canada and the US, Moe made two trips to Washington, D.C.—the first one where he joined the country’s other premiers and the second one with Saskatchewan business leaders—to meet with officials of the Trump administration and other GOP leaders. He also went to Mexico to discuss possible trade deals.
He added that his government’s priority is to increase the value of the province’s exports so that it can deliver on the priorities of the Saskatchewan people: affordability, healthcare, education, and community safety.
“I believe in this province. I have since before I was ever elected, despite where we find ourselves today in this conversation. I believe that the people of Saskatchewan have the power to persevere, succeed, and help lead this nation through a tough time. And there is no better example of that than you in this room,” said Moe.
“Stepping up to represent your community, coming to be part of the SARM delegation and the SARM convention this year, to help and advise, and you’ll probably get much advice in a few minutes, and I appreciate that, but to help and advise the provincial government, to ensure that we are making the very best decisions on behalf of the people that we collectively represent.”
Moe, however, assured that the provincial government is taking a proactive stance in promoting Saskatchewan’s interests on the world stage. The province continues to engage with other trade partners worldwide, expanding its markets and defending its place in existing ones. This unwavering commitment to trade is vital for the province and the broader national economy, he said.
Saskatchewan supplies much-needed commodities like food, fuel, and fertilizer to more than 150 countries worldwide, actively working to increase the value of its exports while strengthening relationships with trading partners, he said. Whether a Liberal or Conservative administration led the federal government, Saskatchewan had remained steadfast in its goal to secure favourable trade conditions for its industries.
“We need to remember that we are stronger when we stand together. However, we need to be firm with our response because what is happening here and imposed by one gentleman in the White House certainly does not indicate the historical trade relationship we’ve had in North America. Our trade relation is set up the way it is for a reason,” said Moe.
“I’ll walk you very quickly through a crop year in North America from the perspective of a Saskatchewan farmer. We set it up this way because it is the most efficient. We provide food and energy security, thus ensuring a secure economy. This is where we’ve been in this trading relationship, not just with the US, but with over 160 countries worldwide.”