Premier Scott Moe is ramping up pressure on both Liberal leader Mark Carney and the federal Liberal government to deal with the escalating trade wars with the United States and China.
During a press conference on Thursday, Moe cautioned that inaction could lead to the closure of key industries across Canada, including agriculture, pork, and seafood.
“Mr. Carney, there are higher stakes at play here,” said Moe, stressing the potential for widespread job losses.
“There’s Canadian jobs at play.”
He also took aim at soon to be former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, linking the Liberals record to the threat of damage in the agriculture sector.
“That’s the legacy of the Liberal government,” said Moe.
“If they do not reach out to the Chinese government and try to at least attempt to have these tariffs removed. The impacts of these 100% tariffs on canola are going to impact all Canadians and it’s going to happen in weeks, not months.”
Moe warned that if Canada does not move quickly to resolve ongoing trade tensions with both President Donald Trump and China, provinces heavily reliant on exports could face dire consequences.
Carney has a European trip planned but nothing with the US or China, which Moe criticized as not being able to accomplish anything.
“We are an exporting province and I would say largely we are an exporting nation,” said Moe.
“We expect the federal government to urgently engage [with the US] prior to calling any election and cancel your trip to Europe if you need to.”
Moe urged federal leaders to protect Canadian businesses, calling for an end to punitive tariffs and a renewed focus on open dialogue to safeguard jobs and preserve Canada’s economic stability.
