Saskatchewan has announced the steps they'll be taking to counter the tariffs coming from the US. Premier Scott Moe discussed the changes, which were the topic of a discussion with his cabinet following the US laying out a 25 per cent tariff and Canada replying with their own tariffs.
The major update announced by Premier Moe included directing Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to stop purchasing US-produced alcohol, a measure which has been adopted by other provinces around the country.
While liquor retailers will no longer be able to purchase American liquor products, they will still be able to sell them, with the province looking to avoid economic effects for liquor retailers.
As well, Saskatchewan will be directing that all goods and services procured by the Government of Saskatchewan prioritize Canadian suppliers, with the eventual goal of reducing or eliminating US procurement.
"These extraordinary measures are a direct response to President Trump's unjustified tariffs and a direct attack on the Canadian economy," Moe said. "This decision was not made lightly, but the Government of Saskatchewan has always and will always stand up for Saskatchewan's interests and protect our jobs, our economy and our residents."
Premier Moe stated that the change to procurement would put in place a temporary pause on current SaskBuilds projects, in order to ascertain where supplies are coming from and if they can switch from a US supplier to a Canadian one.
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan has also been directed to look for other suppliers of the $43 million of VLT and slot machines that are to be upgraded this year and currently come from the United States.
"The United States has always been Saskatchewan's largest and most important trading partner, but when they attack our economy, we have to push back," Moe said. "Our exports lower the cost of living for millions of Americans and support jobs on both sides of the border. Our goal is to end these tariffs and retaliatory measures as soon as possible so that we can resume our long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship."
The province states that they hope school divisions, municipalities, and post-secondary institutions will adopt similar practices to prioritize Canadian goods and services.