Scott Moe calls for unity as premiers prepare for Trump-era tariffs

As Canada prepares for the return of Donald Trump to the White House, provincial premiers are gathering in Ottawa this week to address the looming threat of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods by the United States.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, in an interview with David Cochrane on CBC’s Power & Politics on Monday, emphasized the seriousness with which Canada must approach Trump’s tariff threats. While Moe acknowledged the possibility of tariffs, he underscored the importance of working towards preventing them from being implemented. However, he also stressed the need to be prepared to have the tariffs lifted quickly if they are imposed.

Following a meeting at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, where Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and businessman Kevin O’Leary met with President-elect Trump, Moe highlighted border security as a key priority for the incoming administration. He noted that enhancing border security is an area where Canadian and American interests align, particularly in combating illegal drugs and weapons trafficking.

The Saskatchewan government is set to announce measures on Tuesday to strengthen security at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border. Moe mentioned that Canada has allocated $1.3 billion for border security, but emphasized the importance of aligning federal and provincial initiatives to present a unified plan.

Moe also expressed concerns about retaliatory tariffs and their potential impact on Canada’s economy and unity. In response to Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s suggestion of restricting Canadian exports to the U.S., Moe adamantly opposed any such actions, stating that it would be divisive and more detrimental than tariffs on goods.

While provincial premiers have been engaging directly with U.S. officials, Moe emphasized the need for a strong federal mandate to negotiate with the Trump administration. He called for a federal election to provide Canadians with the opportunity to give the government a mandate to handle negotiations effectively.

In conclusion, Moe emphasized the importance of maintaining strong North American partnerships to ensure energy, food, and manufacturing security. He stressed the need for a unified approach to address the challenges posed by the incoming U.S. administration and called for proactive measures to protect Canada’s interests in the face of potential trade disputes.