Saskatchewan’s opposition leader is demanding an emergency return of the Legislature to devise a unified response to tariffs being imposed by the United States.

In a news release Carla Beck says the tariffs and incoming retaliatory measures will increase the cost of food, energy, and fuel on both sides of the border.

Beck was at the Legislature Saturday meeting with her Shadow Cabinet saying the NDP’s number one focus is protecting Saskatchewan jobs and industries.

She says this is a time to put politics aside and mount a unified response.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business described Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian products “deeply disappointing.”

The CFIB notes that trade is not just a big business issue but over half of Canada’s small businesses are involved in importing or exporting directly wit the U.S.

And the CFIB says they recognize the government’s need to respond but urges any government to ensure those retaliatory tariffs don’t have a broad impact on Canadian small and medium enterprises.

“Should Canada respond with tariffs of our own, small firms – already operating on razor-thin margins – will have no choice but to raise prices. This will lead to even weaker consumer demand.”’

The CFIB says, “If US tariffs are in place for a longer period, governments should ensure any support programs do not repeat the mistakes of pandemic support programs like CERB.”