Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is one of several premiers travelling to Washington, D.C. next week to continue with diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the looming tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
While the tariffs have been paused for one month, the threat is far from neutralized.
The Council of the Federation’s 13 premiers will travel to Washington together so that they can present a united voice on free trade between Canada and the U.S.
Moe is taking it a step further than some premiers, as he is also planning to travel to Mexico after the premiers’ trip to Washington to advance trading prospects with Mexico.
“Over the course of the next few weeks, Premier Moe and multiple cabinet Ministers will be travelling within Canada and beyond to advocate for Saskatchewan’s interests,” reads Saskatchewan’s press release. “These engagement efforts will focus on promoting the province as a global supplier of food and energy security, while strengthening relationships with our key international trading partners.”
While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was the first to emphasize collaboration over retaliation, Moe and Quebec Premier François Legault followed in her footsteps.
“It’s important in the current economic environment that we engage with our counterparts in the United States to emphasize the shared benefit of trade between our two countries and turn the conversation toward building on those strengths rather than jeopardizing them with tariffs,” said Moe, sticking to his new tune.
The 13 premiers will be in Washington on Feb. 12, where they will meet with various U.S. elected representatives, business leaders, and the Canadian American Business Council.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt also previously noted her excitement about going to Washington, D.C. and advocating for the tariffs to be removed permanently.
Moe said that Saskatchewan supports strong measures to secure the border.
“Strengthening border security and preventing the flow of illicit drugs like Fentanyl is a concern that has been identified by the U.S. and one that I share,” said Moe. “We are already taking action as a province through our Border Security Plan to ensure we have more officers and law enforcement presence at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border.”
The provincial government said the U.S. is Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner, accounting for around $40 billion worth of imports and exports annually. These goods remaining tariff-free is vital for the economy.
Saskatchewan’s government said that over the next several weeks, Moe and various cabinet ministers will travel within Canada and internationally advocating for Saskatchewan’s interests.
