Latest news with #ScottMoe

Sask. premier, industry leaders, highlight nuclear energy among tariff concerns

CTV News

6 hours ago

Business
CTV News

Sask. premier, industry leaders, highlight nuclear energy among tariff concerns

As Hallee Mandryk tells us, Premier Moe answered questions alongside industry leaders about the importance of nuclear energy amid U.S. tariffs. The future of nuclear energy in the midst of a trade war proved to be a particularly timely discussion at the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Tuesday morning. Lawmakers from four provinces and eleven states have gathered in Saskatoon for the annual event, and the 'Fueling North America's Energy Sector' panel featured industry leaders and lawmakers discussing the future of energy. '[There's] no better place to have that broader, longer-term discussion on our collective energy security. We will find our way through this trade tariff discussion. I'm concerned that it's going to get tougher before it gets better,' Premier Scott Moe told media following the panel. 'But we need to find our way through it so that we can get back to doing what we do best, and that's trade with products north and south of the 49th parallel.' Much of the panel was spent discussing how North America is shifting towards nuclear energy. Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel was also on the panel, and shared how while the tariffs are a barrier, they are not a roadblock. 'We know we need electricity whether there's tariffs or not. The world and North America needs a lot more electricity, and so we continue to work on that. And, we're getting great cooperation between Canada and the U.S. on nuclear electricity, and so we'll continue,' Gitzel said. While Canada/U.S. relations have been strained since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs, the conference provided an opportunity for officials on both sides of the border to discuss the relationship between the two countries. 'For many of us, it's been embarrassing ... kind of horrific knowing that for years I've spent my whole life 60 years we have seen Canada as a very close ally,' Ann Johnson Stewart, a state senator from Minnesota said. 'Many of my friends are from Canada. We go to Canada. You know, I live in Minnesota, so I really appreciated what [the] premier said about we just need to push forward.' The state senator highlighted that this conference is an opportunity to build cross border relationships away from the shadow of the White House. 'We need to get back to ignoring the politics and ridiculous things coming out of Washington and work forward towards more collaboration, especially around energy. Johnson Stewart added. Both industry leaders and politicians agreed that the demand for energy is as important as ever, thanks to the rise of new technology such as artificial intelligence – which requires an immense amount of electricity. 'You need baseload 24/7 reliable power – and that's got to be hydro or nuclear or gas and so we're going to need all of the above,' Gitzel said. The discussion highlighted a desire for nuclear energy not only in Saskatchewan – but also for North America to become the main producer of nuclear technology and fuel for other nations. 'This is what makes free and free and fair trade between Canada and the U.S. such an advantage for us when it comes to determining our own future with energy security or general security,' Moe noted. '[But it] also provides us with the opportunity then to cost effectively export this type of technology to places like Western Europe where they're trying to move away from Russian reactors.'

Moe trumpets bright future for Sask. energy producers in the middle of a trade war with the U.S.

CBC

19 hours ago

Business
CBC

Moe trumpets bright future for Sask. energy producers in the middle of a trade war with the U.S.

Premier Scott Moe and the CEO's of Saskatchewan uranium and power companies spoke glowingly about a positive future for the energy industry at the Midwest Legislative Conference in Saskatoon.

Inside the province's improved relationship with Ottawa

CBC

5 days ago

Politics
CBC

Inside the province's improved relationship with Ottawa

Canada's premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney held a three-day summit in Ontario this week. Saskatchewan's political panel discussed the impact of these meetings and Premier Scott Moe's improved relationship with Ottawa. The panel features political columnist Murray Mandryk, Canadian Press reporter Jeremy Simes and Morning Edition host Tory Gillis.

Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe

Yahoo

6 days ago

Business
Yahoo

Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe

Premier Scott Moe says as trade talks between Canada and America hurtle towards an Aug. 1 deadline, taking an 'elbows up' approach is 'nothing more than a slogan.' 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@ The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Saskatchewan's premier optimistic after talks at Council of Federation

Global News