Premier Scott Moe has announced a few measures in response to the U.S. tariffs. He says the Government of Saskatchewan has directed the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to stop buying alcohol from the U.S. and going a bit further, Canadian suppliers will be prioritized when the government buys goods and services. Any future government capital projects are being put on hold and for those that have already begun, contractors will be asked to report on American products and reduce that amount.
Moe says, “The United States has always been Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner, but when they attack our economy, we have to push back.” He points out that the province’s exports lower the cost of living for millions of Americans and support jobs on both sides of the border.
The provincial government expects school divisions, municipalities and post-secondary institutions to adopt similar procurement policies, prioritizing Canadian goods and services.
Moe suggests there may be more options for ways to deal with President Donald Trump to have the tariffs lifted. “In the case of Taiwan we see essentially a trade, a multi-billion-dollar investment for a no-tariff environment. In the case of Japan, we see a trade or an exchange of military procurement, a commitment of U.S. military procurement for a no-tariff environment in Japan.”
Premier Moe also mentioned he is on board with the federal government’s targeted tariffs instead of dollar-for-dollar tariffs which he believes would also hurt Canadians along with American businesses. Meanwhile, Trump announced today (Wed) that the 25 per cent tariffs for automakers has been delayed for a month, until April 2nd, for vehicles coming through the U.S.- Mexico – Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA).
In response to the government’s actions against the tariffs, NDP Leader Carla Beck highlights that Premier Moe was the last Premier to implement retaliatory measures is being noted. She says, “At a time when people in this province are scared, when they are angry, it’s not good enough to have Saskatchewan the last of the pack, again.” She adds that this situation has been an incredible wake-up call, and Canada needs to get its ‘elbows up’.
