Moe leads group against Trump’s 25% tariffs, in mission to Washington, D.C.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is leading a high-stakes delegation to Washington, D.C., aiming to stop President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. 

The mission runs from February 24-27 and includes leaders from major Saskatchewan businesses and industry groups, all pushing to protect billions in cross-border trade.  

“Saskatchewan companies are vital to North American food and energy security,” said Moe. 

“I am returning to Washington to continue our efforts in de-escalating the threat of potential tariffs from, our largest trading partner, the U.S. The relationship between our jurisdictions has mutual benefit, and we are working with key stakeholders, industry leaders, and government representatives on both sides of the border to build and protect our economies.”  

Moe will meet U.S. policymakers and business figures, stressing the risks tariffs pose to jobs and affordability. 

Saskatchewan exports to the U.S., including crude oil, potash, and canola oil, topped $40 billion in 2024, supporting thousands of jobs on both sides of the border.  

Joining Moe are representatives from Cameco, Evraz, Cenovus, and other major firms, alongside the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. 

The group argues tariffs would disrupt tightly linked supply chains, particularly in energy and agriculture.  

“Canada and the United States have a long-standing, positive commercial relationship in the civilian nuclear sector that has spurred economic growth and increased both energy and national security,” said Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel. 

“The Trump Administration’s pursuit of energy dominance and its support for domestic nuclear power will require Saskatchewan uranium and Cameco's expertise and capacity across the nuclear fuel cycle.”

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison will attend a key policy conference hosted by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). 

Harrison  plans to promote the province’s agri-food sector and push for open trade.  

"The future of Saskatchewan's agricultural sector is built on strong international relationships, and our trade mission to the U.S. reinforces our commitment to open markets and collaboration," said Harrison. 

"Attending NASDA's Winter Policy Conference allows us to showcase Saskatchewan's world-class agri-food products and the contribution we make to North American competitiveness and food security, and to strengthen partnerships and advocate for policies that benefit our producers." 

The U.S. remains Saskatchewan’s top trading partner, with 2024 exports including $12.5 billion in crude oil and $4.2 billion in potash. 

Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy warned tariffs would hike costs for Americans while hurting Canadian businesses.  

"Our Chamber colleagues in the United States share our commitment to open and mutually beneficial trade relationships, and today, we reaffirm that shared priority," said Ramaswamy. 

"Through this mission, we aim to shape perspectives and inform decision-making by highlighting the economic consequences of tariffs on both of our economies." 

Premier Moe’s delegation marks his latest effort to shield Prairie industries from trade disputes. 

The province is racing to safeguard an economic relationship it calls “too critical to disrupt.”