Trade Engagement Mission to Europe

Saskatchewan will continue to pursue trade opportunities in the United States despite the current political climate between the U.S. and Canada.

At the Cabinet Office in Saskatoon Friday morning, Premier Scott Moe spoke following his trade engagement mission to Germany and London.

He says the mission was successful, with Saskatchewan industries and corporations doing business at Hanover-Messe, the world’s largest industrial trade fair, which took place over the last five days.

“There was a number of private industries, private businesses, and private corporations that were doing business at Hanover-Messe from Saskatchewan and from Canada…and actually advancing other conversations so that they can do business globally in the future.”

Moe adds that looking ahead, he doesn’t have any additional international missions planned, but there is potential for travel to Japan, South Korea.

These countries and others will be looking for alternative trade partners now that their goods will be more expensive in the United States, so this is a great opportunity for Saskatchewan to bridge that gap.

“Both nations that have been impacted by the tariffs that have been released by the President on Liberation Day. And so, we’ve been in touch with them, not in person, not in those markets, but that may be something we consider over the next number of months.”

However, Moe also mentioned that Saskatchewan will continue seeking our trade opportunities with our southern neighbour, the United States.

“The USA has been our largest ally and also our largest trading partner. As much as we’ll make every effort to continue diversifying our trade into other nations, they’ll likely will continue to be Cananda’s largest trading partner as the dust settles, and likely even Saskatchewan’s.”

When it comes to restoring Canada’s relationship with the U.S., expectedly, Moe says his faith lies with the Federal Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre.

Saskatchewan Jobs

The latest Saskatchewan job numbers report is showing some promising statistics.

Premier Scott Moe stated that this month, the Canadian job market is down 33,000 jobs, and Saskatchewan is up 600, ranking us first in the nation. When asked why Saskatchewan is flourishing more than other provinces, Moe stated that policies matter.

“We’re seeing the results of those policies that are attracting investment, allowing for the development of our resources, creating jobs in our communities…Saskatchewan is a beacon of light, providing some much-needed certainty in a very uncertain world.”

He says those policies include the province’s ‘comprehensive’ tariff response plan.

Despite positive job stats from the most recent report, the Saskatchewan NDP says if you look at the big picture, it’s not that impressive.

NDP MLA for Saskatoon Riversdale Kim Breckner spoke outside the Saskatchewan cabinet office in Saskatoon Friday morning.

“It’s positive to see that incremental increase, but if you look at the overall job trends since Premier Moe became the premier, we have the lowest job creation rates in the country,” Breckner recounts.

She adds that the Sask. Party is also lacking when it comes to dealing with Saskatoon’s overdose crisis, as 56 people have died in the city following an illicit drug overdose so far this

Overdose Crisis

The Saskatchewan NDP claims the Sask. Party Government is ignoring Saskatoon’s illicit drug and overdose crisis, as over 50 people have died in the city from overdose so far this year.

Moe disagrees with the NDP, saying Saskatchewan has a two-fold approach to the drug crisis including both recovery and enforcement measures.

“The recovery opportunities for those, unfortunately, that are living a life of addictions, of our 500 committed-to recovery beds, we’re at 264 today, and we’re building those out as quickly as we possibly can.”

And when it comes to enforcement, “You will see legislation coming into the Legislature in the next number of weeks that is going to increase drastically the consequences (for drug trafficking) to the maximum level that the province can outside the Criminal Code of Canada.”

He adds that the province is also investing heavily in additional police officers to remove these drugs and the people selling them from Saskatchewan streets.

Breckner with the NDP says the drug crisis should have never gotten to this point, and it’s a result of Sask. Party mismanagement.

“We are in an absolute crisis here. We’ve seen libraries have to step up and do the job that the government should be doing in dealing with this crisis. It’s not just now…this is years and years of Sask. Party neglect of Saskatoon, Regina, and the drug crisis all over this province.”

Since the beginning of the year, 56 Saskatoon residents have died following an illicit drug overdose. Breckner calls on the government to generate a real plan.

Teachers’ Agreement

Moe also touched on the recent Saskatchewan teachers’ collective bargaining agreement, which finally came following a lengthy dispute and binding arbitration.

Moe is pleased with the result and says this was the goal all along.

“I think it’s a very good indication. As we move forward, as you saw in the budget, (there is) significant investment. Particular investment in that K-3 space, and a focus on improving our K-3 outcomes.”

He adds that parents should have both confidence and high expectations for the K-3 outcomes in Saskatchewan’s curriculum, which should see students head into grade four with reading, writing, and mathematical abilities at grade-level or higher.

Kim Breckner NDP MLA for Saskatoon Riversdale