“I believe there is a path to avoid these tariffs”: Moe returns from second mission to Washington D.C.

As Canada braces for broad-based tariffs on March 4th and steel and aluminum tariffs on the 12th, Saskatchewan’s Premier says it is actually American families that will be feeling their effects first.

Scott Moe returned from his mission to Washington D.C. early this morning, where he spoke with congressmen and senators regarding President Donald Trump’s tariff threats in an effort to avert the would-be economic disaster.

“The very first impacts would be observed by an American family that’s filling up their vehicle at the pumps. Second, they’ll notice it at the grocery store, because that very fuel is used to get the products to the grocery store. Third, U.S. ag producers are going to notice with a 25 per cent bump in the cost of their potash fertilizer.”

Moe says U.S. officials have a sense of understanding when it comes to the repercussions 25 per cent tariffs would have on the economies, both north and south of the border, and he believes that there is a path to avoiding tariffs.

However, if Canada’s effort to appease Donald Trump are not enough, and steel and aluminum tariffs do come into effect on March 12th, “You’ll see, if not immediate, very, very quickly, some repositioning in the industries in the way of job loss. Our steel and aluminum industry in Canada is very, very sensitive to a tariff like this,” Moe explained.

The Premier addressed a tweet he made on Wednesday regarding the preapproval of all pipeline permits going east, west, or south received in Saskatchewan, effective immediately.

When asked why he posted the tweet, he explained that it was to provide certainty to an industry that has been punished by the federal Liberal government for nearly a decade.

“If we are truly serious about being independent as a nation and coming together and ensuring that Canada is energy and food secure and manufacturing secure, then it needs to be reflected in our policy development. I would say that over the course of the last decade, that has not been the case.”

He admits that environmental and consultation policies would remain in place.