REGINA - Premier Scott Moe is reacting negatively to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods.
Moe took to the X platform Tuesday morning to make known his concerns. His post reads as follows:
“A 25 per cent tariff proposed by President-elect Donald Trump would be harmful to our Saskatchewan export-based economy and will drive up prices on both sides of the border.
“The Saskatchewan government is talking to the incoming USA administration and working alongside Canada’s Premiers and the Federal Government to ensure this does not happen.
“The main concern raised by President-elect Trump is border security. As Canadians, we can all benefit from additional border security stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants across our borders.”
On Monday, President-elect Trump had posted on the Truth Social platform about his plans to slap a tariff on Canada and Mexico over border security concerns.
“On Jan. 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 per cent Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”
The reaction from Canadian politicians has been mainly negative so far. Premier Doug Ford of Ontario had characterized it as “like a family member stabbing you right in the heart."
It is being reported that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the provincial premiers will hold an emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss and respond to the proposed Trump tariff.