Sask. NDP calls for major infrastructure spending in response to U.S. tariffs

Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP is calling on all levels of government to invest in infrastructure to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States.

The call comes after U.S President Donald Trump's administration restated it would move ahead with a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods planned for next week.

At a news conference Thursday, NDP Leader Carla Beck said the federal and provincial governments must prioritize expanding rail lines, building up roadways and constructing new pipelines.

"We do know right now that there's an incredible cost of not doing this," Beck said. "We are being held hostage by the American administration at this time."

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe was in Washington, D.C., this week meeting with U.S. lawmakers in an effort to push back against the tariffs. Moe said it is important to maintain a strong North American trade relationship.

"American families will pay more with these tariffs," Moe said in a scrum on Thursday. "All North Americans are going to pay more, and it's going to make for a less competitive North American market, which doesn't benefit us that live here."

Beck said Canada must plan for a future without the U.S. as a stable ally.

"We're looking to see investments in the upcoming budgets, and we are also looking to see [action] from leaders at all levels," Beck said. "And I'm not just talking about governments. I'm talking about industry. I'm talking about public and private."

Beck said long-term investment into expanding access overseas is needed to protect against Canada's vulnerable state.

"We need to build our economic future that is in our control, increasing our access to overseas markets in Asia and Europe, Mexico and South America," Beck said.