With the looming threat of a 25% tariff on Saskatchewan and Canada by Donald Trump, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling on the province to fight back by keeping US alcohol off store shelves and supporting local businesses instead.
Speaking at District Brewing in Regina, Beck urged the provincial government to pull American beer, wine, and liquor from Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) distribution channels should Trump’s tariff take effect on Tuesday.
“We make amazing products right here in Saskatchewan,” Beck said.
“The American beer just isn’t comparable. Ours is actually beer. We should be supporting our neighbours and local businesses like this any chance we get.”
Beck’s call for action comes as Trump has repeatedly pledged to impose the steep tariff, most recently reiterating his stance on Thursday.
In response, she is rallying Saskatchewan residents to buy locally made products and support homegrown businesses.
“The United States is an important trading partner and we want to work with them, but we can’t roll over to threats to our economy and our sovereignty,” Beck said.
“Saskatchewan and Canada will always be first, not 51st.”
Beyond her push to prioritize Saskatchewan producers, brewers, and distillers, Beck has previously taken steps to prepare for economic challenges linked to trade restrictions.
She has called for the Saskatchewan Legislature to reopen so that the government can respond swiftly to tariffs and craft a plan to protect the province’s economic future.
She has also advocated for significant investments in rail lines, pipelines, and power lines to expand access to new markets.
Additionally, Beck has proposed the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway to allow for more efficient transport of goods without relying on U.S. routes.
She has pushed for increased steel manufacturing and has urged the government to prioritize Saskatchewan steel providers for contracts.
Furthermore, she has launched the "Shop Local, Shop Sask" campaign and website (ShopSK.ca) to encourage residents to buy from Saskatchewan businesses.
Beck emphasized that keeping dollars within the province strengthens the local economy and helps Saskatchewan communities prosper.
“When we invest in our own communities, we see a domino effect in our economy. That means more jobs and more successful businesses,” Beck said.
“We know so many Saskatchewan people are already making a conscious effort to shop local, to support Saskatchewan and Canadian-based businesses and products. Now more than ever, we need to stand united and focus on taking control of our economic future.”
With the tariff deadline just days away, Beck hopes the province will heed her call and take a stand against policies she says threaten Saskatchewan’s prosperity.