Sask. premier endorses Canadian counter

Sask. premier endorses Canadian counter-tariffs, says they will apply to 11% of province's U.S. imports

Canada to apply counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion of U.S. goods as of Sept. 8

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has endorsed Canada's counter-tariffs, set to go into effect on Sept. 8, saying they will cover roughly 11 per cent of the province's annual imports from the United States.

On Tuesday, Ottawa announced counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion of U.S. goods. It also unveiled $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses.

Moe issued a statement a few hours later, saying Saskatchewan supports the "focused and targeted approach" by the federal government.

Federal ministers announce support for Canadians, counter-tariffs against U.S.

Moe said the 11.3 per cent of annual American imports into Saskatchewan affected by the tariffs is equivalent to approximately $1.5 billion.

"We are analyzing the counter-tariff list closely and working with affected industries to determine its potential impact on jobs and consumer prices," Moe said.

He said the province is also reviewing Ottawa's support measures to ensure they work for the province's businesses and workers.

Opposition criticizes lack of public comment

Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP has been critical of what it calls a lack of response to the tariffs by Moe.

Moe held a news conference on Sunday, addressing U.S. President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariffs, but is not scheduled to speak with media again until a yet-to-be-determined time and location on Wednesday.

NDP trade and export development critic Kim Breckner called for Moe to remove American-produced alcohol from the shelves of Saskatchewan liquor stores.

"Scott Moe has failed to take any action to fight back against Donald Trump’s tariffs or support Saskatchewan people and businesses," Breckner said.

Saskatchewan reacts as U.S. implements 50% tariffs on some goods

Saskatchewan removed american liquor from store shelves for 12 weeks in 2025, before quietly reversing course.

As CBC reported earlier this month, the sale of American-produced alcohol dropped by 40 per cent during the last fiscal year, despite the province resuming its sale.

On Sunday, Moe said the provincial government would "discuss" that option, but that it is only one of many possibilities that are being weighed as part of the nationwide response to American tariffs.

Some Sask. industries hit hard by newest tariffs

Saskatchewan remains one of only two provinces where American-produced liquor is still being sold.

In Moe's statement issued Tuesday, he said that although Ottawa's response is appropriate, a bigger issue remains.

"We can never lose sight of the fact that all tariffs hurt businesses, jobs, consumers and families on both sides of the border, and our ultimate goal must be to get back to a free and fair trade relationship with the U.S.," Moe said.

Alexander Quon is the provincial affairs reporter for CBC Saskatchewan. He has been a reporter with CBC Saskatchewan since 2021 and is happy to be working in his hometown of Regina after half a decade in Atlantic Canada. He has previously worked with the CBC News investigative unit in Nova Scotia and Global News in Halifax. Alexander specializes in freedom of information requests and data reporting. He can be reached at: alexander.quon@cbc.ca.