Sask. Premier Heads to Washington on Diplomatic Mission as Tariff Deadline Nears

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks to the media in Regina on March 22, 2023. The Canadian Press/Heywood Yu

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is returning to Washington, D.C., this week with industry leaders from his province, seeking to “de-escalate” trade tensions as the U.S. tariff reprieve nears its end.

The premier is leading a delegation that includes representatives from Cenovus, Enbridge, Cameco, Evraz, Arizona Lithium, Whitecap Resources, North American Helium, and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

They will be in the U.S. capital from Feb. 24 to 27 as part of a new diplomatic effort to avert looming U.S. tariffs by emphasizing Saskatchewan’s “critical role” in North American food and energy security.

“I am returning to Washington to continue our efforts in de-escalating the threat of potential tariffs from our largest trading partner, the U.S.,” Moe said in a Feb. 24 press release.

“The relationship between our jurisdictions has mutual benefit, and we are working with key stakeholders, industry leaders and government representatives on both sides of the border to build and protect our economies.”

Moe visited Washington earlier this month as part of a joint diplomatic mission with Canada’s premiers, meeting with U.S. officials and visiting the White House to advocate for tariff-free trade. Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston made a similar trip to the U.S. capital in a diplomatic push to avert tariffs.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 3 agreed to a 30-day pause in his threats to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, with a reduced levy on Canadian oil and gas of 10 percent, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s commitment to beef up border security to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

Since then, the U.S. president has announced blanket tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, and has signalled more tariffs may come as his administration reviews trade deals with other countries.

Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison is also travelling to Washington this week to attend a conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Since Trump first announced the tariffs, Moe has opposed broad retaliatory measures by Canada, such as dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs and export taxes, saying they would affect both Americans and Canadians. However, he has favoured “very small, targeted” counter-tariffs as a means to change the minds of U.S. officials.

The premier has supported measures to address Trump’s border security concerns, saying they will also benefit Canadians. Last month, Saskatchewan launched a border security plan, following other jurisdictions such as Alberta and Ontario.

The United States is Saskatchewan’s largest trading partner, with annual trade valued at roughly $40 billion. Last year, the province’s top exports south of the border were crude oil, valued at $12.5 billion, potash, at more than $4 billion, and canola oil, at almost $3 billion.

Earlier this month, Moe also travelled to Mexico to boost trade relations.