Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe rejects PM Carney’s confrontational stance with Trump, urging a more diplomatic path to protect Canada’s trade interests.
Premiers Weigh In on U.S. Tariff Talks
With U.S. tariff threats looming, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is pushing back against the federal government’s “elbows up” posture in trade talks with Donald Trump. Moe says diplomacy—not confrontation—is key to protecting Canada’s economic ties with its largest trading partner.
Calls for a Calmer Trade Strategy
In a national interview aired Saturday, Moe stated that an aggressive stance against U.S. tariffs is counterproductive. “I’ve never thought ‘elbows up’ was the proper approach when negotiating,” Moe said, referencing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s earlier comments promising to take a tougher line against Trump-era tariffs.
Moe emphasized that the U.S. remains Canada’s primary trade and military ally and should be treated as such, especially as continental security cooperation deepens.
Opposition Challenges Federal Response
Carney’s recent remarks—that there’s “not a lot of evidence” the U.S. will cut a deal without tariffs—have prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Carney of making concessions, while Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet called the approach weak and ineffective.
Despite rising U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs and threats of 35% duties on Canadian goods, Carney has held off on countermeasures and scrapped Canada’s digital services tax in a bid to keep negotiations alive.
Counter Tariffs May Backfire, Moe Warns
Moe reinforced his opposition to retaliatory tariffs, warning that they increase costs for Canadian families and businesses. “Let’s focus on keeping people at the table and working out an agreement,” he urged.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt supported Carney’s decisions, calling them pragmatic moves aimed at long-term economic stability. She cited New Brunswick’s seafood sector as especially vulnerable and said she hopes for a clear path toward a lasting North American trade agreement.
Premiers Meet to Strengthen Canada’s Internal Trade
On Tuesday, Canada’s premiers will meet with Carney in Huntsville, Ontario, to discuss U.S. tariff threats and strategies to reduce domestic trade barriers.
Holt and Moe both want a progress update on the U.S. talks, while Moe is expected to pitch an expansion of the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA). The NWPTA—currently involving Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C., and Manitoba—aims to eliminate trade, investment, and labor restrictions across provinces.
“Maybe it’s time to rip the Band-Aid off,” Moe said. “Expanding the NWPTA nationwide could bring real long-term gains for all Canadians.”
A Divided but Determined Leadership
As Canada prepares for a potentially turbulent chapter in U.S. trade relations, provincial leaders are divided on tactics but united in their urgency. With interprovincial trade reforms on the table and U.S. pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the Huntsville summit for clarity, consensus, and a possible roadmap forward.
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