Scott Moe said meetings “centred on strengthening our trade relationships” with U.S. partners.
Regina Leader-Post Staff
Saskatchewan’s premier says he had a “productive” trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. officials to talk trade.
“Meetings this week, including at the White House, have been crucial to advocate our Saskatchewan story and emphasize the strong trading relationship that we have. I am focused on building our strengths and supplying the continent with energy and food security,” Premier Scott Moe said in an email to the Leader-Post on Friday morning.
Moe joined other Canadian premiers on a joint mission as the Council of the Federation (COF) to press the importance of cross-border trade benefits in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s looming tariffs.
He was scheduled to attend a COF meeting with U.S.-elected representatives, business leaders and the Canadian American Business Council on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Moe shared on social media that talks “centred on strengthening our trade relationships and advancing North American food, energy and manufacturing security.”
He noted in the post that Saskatchewan does $40 billion in trade with the U.S. annually and said discussions revolved around “key issues like supply chains, market access and trade opportunities.”
“Imposing tariffs would disrupt businesses, jeopardize jobs, and reduce investment opportunities on both sides of the border,” said Moe’s post. “Our collective goal is to ensure that Saskatchewan — and all of Canada — remain competitive on the global stage, fostering growth and prosperity for everyone.”
COF’s mission was in response to Trump’s threats to hit Canada with a 10-per-cent tariff on energy and a 25-per-cent tariff on other goods, in addition to 25-per-cent tariffs on all foreign steel and aluminum.
All three have been put on pause for a 30-day period after negotiations with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The latest tariffs are to take effect on March 12.
Canada also agreed to walk back its proposed retaliatory tariffs and launch a $1.3-billion plan to shore up security at the U.S.-Canada border to address the flow of drugs and immigration.
On Thursday, Trump laid out intentions to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries that charge higher duties on U.S. goods, which would include Canada.
Ahead of the trip, Moe said he would be focused on making Saskatchewan’s case against tariffs and wasn’t taking Trump’s comments on absorbing Canada as a state “seriously.”
Moe’s next round of travel will be to Mexico on a trade mission to engage with businesses and elected officials.
— with files from Alec Salloum, Bloomberg News, The Canadian Press
