Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe
The Saskatchewan premier made the comment on Wednesday at the conclusion of the Council of the Federation (COF) meeting, adding that the prospect of completely separating Canada from the economy of the United States is an 'unreasonable dream.'
'When someone says we need to move away from dealing with the United States, that can be true in part, but it certainly can't be true in all. They are our largest trading partner,' said Moe.
But the premier also acknowledged the relationship between Canada and the U.S. will be changed, 'if not forever … for a long period of time' given combative rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.
Trump kicked off a trade war on March 4 when he announced 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy. Over time, those tariffs have changed to now only apply to select goods that are non-Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant.
Trump has indicated new tariffs are coming for Canada if a trade deal is not struck by Aug. 1.
'Our objective is not to reach a deal whatever it costs … We are pursuing a deal that will be in the best interest of Canadians.' said Prime Minister Mark Carney during the COF meeting.
Moe said he's holding out hope that there will be zero tariffs come the start of next month, but noted efforts made by his government and others have already resulted in exemptions and lowered tariffs on certain goods, like oil and potash. Still, about five per cent of trade to the U.S. is subject to tariffs, Moe said, adding that CUSMA 'is working for Saskatchewan.' And while the tariffs are impacting Saskatchewan, the premier said 'it's maybe to a lesser degree' than elsewhere in Canada.
That doesn't discount the larger impact of the tariffs, stressed Moe, saying the rhetoric and actions from the U.S. make this 'very much a time of uncertainty' as trade relationships are tarnished or reset.
Moe noted that the 100 per cent import tariff imposed by China on canola in March is a direct result of Canada standing in lockstep with the U.S.'s own policy, which placed 25 per cent tariffs on aluminum and steel and 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
'The federal government continues to engage with China and we're supporting them every step of the way,' said the premier.
A 'change in tone'
As conversations continue between Ottawa and Saskatchewan to push forward energy and other projects, and as the feds continue to negotiate with Saskatchewan's two largest trade partners (China and the U.S.), Moe maintained that he was 'cautiously optimistic' about the Carney government.
Moe acknowledged that this was a 'change in tone' from himself and spoke favourably of Bill C-5, which received royal assent on June 26 and was passed into law. It gives the federal government new powers to fast-track approvals for what it calls 'nation-building projects.' The bill has been opposed by Indigenous leaders and groups who have voiced concerns it might override their fundamental rights. The government amended the bill on June 18 so that it cannot override the Indian Act.
Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation of Canada as the 51st state have spurred things like Bill C-5 as the Canadian government shifts priorities to large-scale domestic projects. The bill aims to 'strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security,' according to a government website. At the same time, provincial and federal leaders have also been spurred to improve interprovincial trade in the face of tariffs.
Though Moe started the COF inviting all provinces and territories to join the binding and interprovincial New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA), it seems to be that the fellow premiers have landed on expanding the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) instead.
'We'll continue to push all of the other provinces to expand the CFTA, to make it as close to a mirror image as we can to the New West Partnership,' he said.
Having signed five memorandums of understanding since June 2 related to energy corridors, interprovincial trade and breaking down economic barriers, Moe said the renewed focus on improving trade between provinces and territories might be the only good to come out of Trump's threats.
'What you're seeing now is actual action in this space and I'd say it's high time.'
— with files from The Canadian Press
Related
Saskatchewan's Scott Moe invites all Canadian premiers to join western trade agreement
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signs two more MOUs to open up interprovincial trade routes
alsalloum@postmedia.com
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