Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck condemned President Donald Trump’s 50% steel tariffs, calling the move an attack on the province’s economy and urging immediate government action to protect jobs and the steel industry.
Beck accused Trump of “chaos that will cost Saskatchewan jobs and drive up the cost of goods” following his announcement of steep tariffs targeting Canadian steel.
In a strongly condemning statement, Beck criticized the Saskatchewan Party government for failing to respond to earlier warnings about potential US trade aggression.
“This is a time for strength from Canadian political leaders, not weakness,” said Beck.
Beck pointed out that Trump’s policies aim to “crush our economy” and undermine sovereignty.
Beck highlighted calls made in February for the province to prioritize Saskatchewan-made steel in contracts, create more industry jobs, and ban US firms from provincial steel projects.
“We heard nothing in response from the Sask Party,” said Beck, accusing Premier Scott Moe’s government of being “missing in action during an economic crisis unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetime.”
Beck pointed to other Canadian premiers who have challenged Trump’s trade policies, contrasting their efforts with Moe’s approach.
Beck demanded an emergency legislative session to address the tariffs, criticizing the week-long wait before the legislature resumes.
“There is no way to know the pain and suffering Donald Trump will cause by then,” said Beck.
Sask NDP proposes retaliatory measures, accelerated pipeline construction to Eastern Canada, and long-term plans to shield industries from foreign pressures.
"Trump's latest announcement in his constantly changing tariff attack will be another significant blow to Saskatchewan and Canadian steel producers if they remain in effect for any length of time," said the Saskatchewan government in a statement to the Western Standard.
"This is why our government has been focused on engaging elected representatives and business leaders in the US to reiterate how highly integrated our economies are and that any tariff only serve to damage both of our economies. Saskatchewan is exploring measures to support our steel industry during this challenging time."
