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The Saskatchewan NDP brought nearly their full, 27-member provincial caucus to Moose Jaw on Thursday for a day of economic strategy and festival atmosphere — pairing political meetings with a walk through the city's annual Sidewalk Days street festival.
Party leader Carla Beck said the visit wasn’t just about a photo op — it was about recognizing Moose Jaw’s position in Saskatchewan’s economic future and taking seriously the concerns local residents have raised over the past year.
“We’re going to be hitting Sidewalk Days like everyone else, enjoying all of the displays and the music and the vendors — fighting the heat,” Beck said. “But we’re also here to meet as a caucus… and talk specifically about the opportunity, and the work ahead, to build Saskatchewan’s economic future — specifically also how that relates to Moose Jaw.”
The NDP caucus held closed-door sessions Thursday morning before meeting with business and community leaders, healthcare professionals, and local government. Beck said Moose Jaw’s geographic position, agricultural profile, and rail access make it a natural hub for investment — but also a community feeling the pressure of national and international instability.
“What we see in Moose Jaw is a city that’s well-situated to take advantage of the incredible opportunity we see on the horizon,” she said. “But we also know that 2025 has come with its share of challenges.”
Those challenges include new Chinese tariffs on Saskatchewan-grown canola, peas, pork, and canola meal — exports that drive a major share of the regional economy. Beck said she has written to newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling for an end to the tariffs and suggesting Canada should even consider removing its own electric vehicle tariff on Chinese imports in exchange.
"If that's what needs to happen, then so be it," she added.
The caucus also raised concerns about growing threats of protectionism from the United States, particularly from former president Donald Trump.
“Constant and changing threats… to tariff our world-class products, and even make us the 51st state, have also had a negative impact on the economy here in Moose Jaw and right across the province,” Beck said.
The visit marked one of the first public regional stops for the Saskatchewan NDP since the federal election. The party has also launched a petition at KeepSaskatchewanInCanada.ca and continues to promote its Keep Saskatchewan In Canada Act, aimed at countering separatist sentiment and preserving interprovincial trade stability.
“In the weeks to come, you will continue to see more proposals from the Saskatchewan NDP to create good-paying jobs, reduce our reliance on the United States, and drive investment into our province,” Beck said.
“We know that Saskatchewan is stronger within a united Canada — and the Saskatchewan NDP won’t stop fighting for Saskatchewan, for our country and for our future.”