In a rare display of unity, Premier Scott Moe and Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck are urging federal parties to pay more attention to Saskatchewan’s tariff troubles as the election campaign enters the second half.
Both leaders say international trade disputes, particularly with China, demand urgent federal action and cannot be sidelined during the race for prime minister.
Moe and Beck delivered their messages separately on Tuesday at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Food, Fuel, Fertilizer Global Summit in Regina.
While speaking to the media, Moe stressed the province’s vital role in feeding and fuelling global markets, saying Ottawa must do more to address ongoing trade tensions.
“There should be more discussion with respect not only to the economic contributions that the Prairie provinces make to the entirety of Canada, but more discussion on how we’re going to expand the industries that are creating wealth here,” said Moe.
Moe added that China’s tariffs on canola and pork are an urgent concern for Prairie provinces.
“This is the most urgent tariff threat that we have in the province of Saskatchewan, notwithstanding the concerns that the world is seeing with the changes that Donald Trump is making,” said Moe.
Moe also emphasized the need to keep strengthening trade ties around the world as trading with Saskatchewan’s largest trading partner remains uncertain while Trump remains President of the US.
Beck echoed those sentiments, cautioning that political leaders must not ignore Saskatchewan’s challenges.
Beck said she wants federal candidates to pay closer attention to how tariffs affect the Prairie economy.
“I think it’s incumbent on all of those leaders — political leaders, leaders in the business community — to impress on all of those who are running to be the prime minister that these [tariffs] are incredibly impactful, certainly here on the Prairies,” said Beck.
Beck added that there are opportunities to diversify trade partners, pointing out that broadening global markets should remain a top priority for whichever party wins the federal government election.
“It is disappointing that we haven’t seen more attention placed on this province,” said Beck.
