Sask. Premier Moe suggests retaliation possible as Trump tariff deadline looms

Premier Scott Moe hasn't ruled out imposing counter-tariffs on U.S. goods coming into Saskatchewan.

Moe just returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. — his second such trip in February — aimed at influencing the elected officials and insiders around President Donald Trump ahead of March 4, the deadline for the U.S. imposing a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods.

Asked for his stance on imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, Moe said Saskatchewan wants to avoid tariffs in either direction, but that options are open if the U.S. goes ahead with its plan.

"Tariffs should not be our goal and there will be decisions that will have to be made should this be the case," Moe told reporters during an availability at his party's Saskatoon cabinet office Friday morning.

"I'm very hesitant about hypothetical what-ifs, but there will have to be decisions that may be made as we find our way through this conversation."

Moe's most recent trip included a delegation of representatives from businesses such as Cameco, Evraz and Enbridge. Moe said tariffs will harm North America's global competitiveness and cost the province jobs.

"You will see, I think, some job loss in certain industries and select industries, and that will likely show up on both sides of the border," Moe said, adding that price hikes will hit consumers.

"You're going to see inflationary moves at the fuelling station and at the grocery store for U.S. families."

Opposition NDP leader Carla Beck pitched her plan to counter the U.S. tariffs at a media availability in Regina on Friday. Beck wants the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to stop distributing American beer, wine and liquor.

"I'm also urging the proud people of this great province to support our world-class producers, brewers, distillers, instead of buying American," Beck said.

"This is about all the tools in the toolbox, all hands on deck to show … our willingness to dig in and push back in any way that we can against threats to our economy and threats to our sovereignty."

The NDP launched a "shop local" campaign earlier this month.

The Saskatchewan delegation in Washington focused on lobbying senators and members of congress from Midwest states, like Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Moe said.

"The president very much does make his own decisions, but I don't think we should also discount that he isn't listening to some of the folks that are around him," Moe said.

"We are trying to engage at every level that we can to ensure they realize the value — if your goals are are food and food security, energy dominance — there is certainly a value with having a free and open non-tariff trade with Canada and Saskatchewan."

After March 4, there are two other deadlines to watch for. On March 12, Trump plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, while a broader reciprocal tariff aimed at levelling global trade is set to take effect in April.