Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says while the province is disappointed in President Trump’s decision to increase tariffs to 35 per cent on Canadian goods that don’t comply with the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement, 95 per cent of Saskatchewan goods will remain tariff free.

Moe says that is how much of Saskatchewan exports are compliant with CUSMA. He also suggests Canada has a competitive advantage relative to other countries which are facing even higher tariffs than what Canada is facing for things like steel, copper and forestry.

Moe points to slowing job growth in the U.S. which he says is due to uncertainty and higher costs caused by U.S. tariffs and again stressed the importance of refraining from adopting any retaliatory measures. “I would also say that this now signifies more than ever that, with respect to not only our trade relation with the United States of America, but with respect to more broadly our trade relation with countries around the world that we live in a relative space now. What happens between other countries and the United States, our reaction and our actions with other countries, is going to also impact our relationship with the United States.”

The Premier said Canada needs to control what can be controlled and says his government will continue to press the federal government to strengthen the economy by approving infrastructure projects like pipelines and rail lines.

The Premier says looking at achieving a low tariff or no tariff trade environment is where the focus needs to be. He says Canada should be removing the counter tariffs that are in place.