Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe employed a quiet, behind-the-scenes approach to address US President Trump's tariff threats, unlike Ontario Premier Doug Ford's more public and confrontational strategy. This strategy successfully shielded Saskatchewan's oil and gas, uranium, and potash industries from tariffs, while Ontario's auto and steel sectors faced them.
Moe's method involved direct engagement with US officials, including cabinet appointees, senators, and industry leaders, emphasizing the mutual dependence between Canada and the US. He avoided public confrontations with President Trump, unlike Ford.
Saskatchewan's economy heavily relies on exports to the US, making it vulnerable to trade disputes. The province anticipates significant revenue from oil and gas by 2025, with most production destined for the US. Other key exports include uranium and potash.
Moe opposed the federal government's suggestion to use uranium and potash as leverage against Trump, arguing that such measures would severely harm Saskatchewan's economy. While supporting federal countertariffs, he highlighted the potential damage of imposing levies on Saskatchewan's key exports.
Saskatchewan faced significant tariffs from China on canola oil, canola meal, peas, pork, and seafood in retaliation for Canada's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and steel. Moe emphasized the asymmetry in job losses between these sectors, noting Canada's electric vehicle industry employs far fewer people than the canola sector.
Moe highlighted the importance of pipeline infrastructure, emphasizing the need for new pipelines to the west or east coast, as a priority for the upcoming federal election. He indicated that if these weren't built, Saskatchewan would explore additional capacity to the south, in the US.