REGINA — Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck said now is the time for resolve in the wake of the latest uptick in tariffs from U.S President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order to increase tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 per cent to 35 per cent. These tariffs affect non-United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA)-compliant goods.
While Beck noted Saskatchewan has been hurt from these tariffs, including seeing an 11 per cent decrease in exports, she believes the province has leverage in this situation.
“Americans not only are interested in our uranium and our potash, they need it.”
From speaking with American legislators, Beck said this is increasing the cost of energy for Americans. Additionally, prices for U.S. homes have also increased.
Beck mentioned the U.S. needs lumber from Canada to build homes.
“We are holding some very big cards here,” she said, “we want to get back to a more normal trading relationship, but we need the American president to take the gun away from our heads right now.”
As tariffs remain ongoing, Beck wants the province to take action, including removing U.S booze from shelves and or prioritizing Canadian goods in procurement.
“I don't want to see Saskatchewan as being seen as wishy-washy.”
In a statement sent to SaskToday, Premier Scott Moe expressed disappointment with Trump’s effort to increase tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant goods.
Moe stressed the importance of CUSMA as we live in a “relative-world on-trade.” With CUSMA still in effect, Moe noted 95 per cent of Saskatchewan exports to the U.S. remain tariff-free.
However, Beck believes Moe is underplaying those numbers.
“[Roughly] 6 per cent might seem like a small number to the Premier, but that potentially impacts 100 per cent of people’s jobs, their business, their livelihood.”
Even though Canadian exports like steel, copper and forestry are being harmed by tariffs, Moe said other exports, which remain tariff-free, have a competitive advantage related to other countries facing tariffs on those same products.
Despite other premiers stating they would implement retaliatory measures, Moe said this would cause harm to the Canadian economy.
He referenced new figures which show job growth slowed in the U.S. from May to July. This was largely caused by the higher costs of U.S. tariff policies and uncertainty.
Beck agreed with Moe, as the NDP aren't looking for counter-tariffs.
Instead of retaliating, Moe will continue pressing the federal government to strengthen the provinces' and Canadian economies by adopting the “Strong Saskatchewan, Strong Canada Plan.”
This includes approving pipelines and rail lines, while eliminating federal regulations that prevent economic development, said Moe.
