Sask. quietly ends its response to U.S. tariffs
In March, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced his government's response to U.S. tariffs. Three months later, those measures are ending.
The removal of the countermeasures was not announced to the public. It was only confirmed once media asked the provincial government.
Premier Scott Moe announced in March that the province was prioritizing Canadian suppliers for goods and services procured by the Government of Saskatchewan and temporarily halting capital projects with the goal of minimizing or eliminating American materials.
In a statement to CBC News on Wednesday, the province confirmed it will return to its standard procurement process.
The statement comes a just day after the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) confirmed it would resume the purchase and distribution of American-made alcohol. In March, Moe directed the SLGA to stop purchasing US-produced alcohol. It later modified that policy for 54 brands that, while American-owned, are produced in Canada.
"This change was made to allow Saskatchewan people the option to choose whether they want to buy these products or consider alternatives," the statement said.
The federal government's 25-per-cent tariff on U.S. alcohol remains in effect.
The provincial government said it will continue to encourage support for Saskatchewan and Canadian products "whenever there is an option to do so."
It's not clear if Saskatchewan's response to U.S. tariffs had any real effect on provincial procurement.
Data provided by the government showed a that over the past five years, the province had awarded nearly 90 per cent of all procurements to Saskatchewan companies and more than 99 per cent of procurements went to Canadian companies.
That did not stop the provincial Opposition from spending a large portion of the spring sitting criticizing contracts the government had with American companies or American suppliers.
None of the contracts flagged by the Saskatchewan NDP were cancelled.
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