Moe warns Trump tariffs harm Canada, US economies

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has blasted President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian products, saying they will hurt both Canadian and American economies.

“The decision by President Trump to impose tariffs on all Canadian products is disappointing and will damage both our countries' economies, workers, and consumers,” Moe said in his statement. 

“Make absolutely no mistake, these tariffs will cost American and Canadian families more.”

Moe stressed that while both countries need strong, secure borders.

Trump's tariffs are not the answer. 

“We agree that we need to have strong, secure borders,” said Moe. 

Moe pointed out that Saskatchewan is already taking steps to secure its borders. 

“The US has been clear in this priority,” said Moe.

“Saskatchewan has been equally clear about efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants. We have enhanced our provincial border security measures.”

Moe called on the Trudeau government to step up its efforts to protect the border. 

“Saskatchewan is calling on the federal government to take all necessary steps to strengthen border security and have fentanyl removed from our communities in Canada and the USA,” said Moe. 

Moe also urged Ottawa to toughen penalties for drug offences. 

“I am calling on the federal government to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada to toughen penalties for drug offences, specifically fentanyl,” said Moe.

While Moe supports targeted retaliatory tariffs to counter Trump’s tariffs, he warned they should only be a short-term solution. 

“As I have said, I support very targeted and specific retaliatory measures to initial tariffs. However, this should never be the longer-term answer,” said Moe.

Moe pointed out the importance of Saskatchewan’s exports, which are necessary for food and energy security in North America and around the world. 

“Saskatchewan's exports are crucial to supporting food and energy security across North America and around the world,” said Moe.

“We will also be working to ensure diversification of Saskatchewan markets for our goods.”

Moe stressed that the tariffs weaken the North American economy. 

“That will weaken the highly integrated North American economy, which benefits our nations that may not be our allies,” said Moe.

“Tariffs are harmful to all of us in North America. We will continue to work with all Saskatchewan businesses and other governments to find common ground on this important issue to ensure that damaging tariffs are removed as quickly as possible.”