In the wake of Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement on Monday, Carla Beck, leader of the Saskatchewan NDP, has offered the full support of her Official Opposition caucus to Premier Scott Moe in developing an economic policy that will protect the province’s interests ahead of Donald Trump taking office.
“It’s clear the chaos in Ottawa will not end for some time,” Beck said to media on Monday. “I share the deep frustration of Saskatchewan residents and Canadians that internal politics has taken centre stage over the need for a coordinated and united response to the great challenges facing our province and nation.
“Our economy, our industries, and whole families’ livelihoods hang in the balance with the threat of 25 per cent tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. Saskatchewan cannot wait for the federal Liberals to get their house in order, and they cannot wait for a federal election campaign to be called and then contested.”
Beck said the Sask Party and the NDP need to set aside partisanship and the issues they disagree on to focus on the threat of tariffs, or any other big shift in U.S. relations that could result from the change in government in Canada’s most important trading partner.
“That offer stands — we must put aside partisan interests and focus on our province,” she added. “In the meantime, I will continue to meet with workers and industry to discuss how we can support our interests. Our team will not be distracted by the political games being played in Ottawa — by any party. There is too much at stake.
“It’s time for us to unite as Canadians.”
Beck proposed to Moe that they meet this week to discuss options. The Sask NDP said Moe has not yet responded to Beck’s statements.