NORTH BATTLEFORD - Battlefords—Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk echoed the frustrations of many Canadians at American President Donald Trump's new 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy imported into the U.S. that went into effect March 4.
The federal government responded with counter tariffs, with plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on American goods, while the U.S. tariff against Canadian goods is in effect, starting with $30 billion worth of U.S. goods that will be expanded by $125 billion more in 21 days.
Falk spoke about the tariffs and other issues at her talk at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce event in North Battleford.
"This is a prime example of the [Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau Liberals and the NDP not taking threats seriously," she told SaskToday. "They had about a month that they could have recalled Parliament to pass things to make life easier, whether that's tax cuts or whatnot for Canadians. At the end of the day, these tariffs are going to hurt the workers and those that are utilizing the products. This is why it's more important than ever that we have a government that takes these things seriously."
Falk added that the tariffs will hurt both American and Canadian workers alike, as well as consumers.
During the meeting, some attendees spoke up about their worries concerning the tariffs.
Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak said many industries in the Battlefords area will be impacted by the tariffs.
"There is no doubt the ag. businesses that we had a question about today, they are going to be impacted," she said. "If a farmer is having to buy any piece of equipment that comes from a manufacturer that is in the United States, any equipment or repairs [they will be impacted]."
Machniak noted that furniture stores are also impacted because appliances such as fridges, and washing machines and dryers people purchase for their homes often come out of the United States. So that will impact consumers.
Machniak added that shoppers will also see prices go up in the grocery stores.
"I'm not really shocked, but the challenge is I haven't seen the goal post," she said. "Where is the goal post? It seems to be changing. It was the border [security] and fentanyl. And it still is... There is no discussion about all the guns that are coming North [from the United States]. There are a lot of questions about what is the end game. What's the point? It's going to cost his [Trump's] residents as much as it's going to cost ours."
