OTTAWA — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe emphasized the need for collaboration between Ottawa and the provinces to address tariff pressures affecting Canada’s economy from both the U.S. and China. He made these remarks on Tuesday, highlighting the significant impact of a recent 76 percent tariff imposed by China on Canadian canola seeds. This tariff is viewed as a retaliatory measure against Canada’s 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

Moe initially called for the elimination of the electric vehicle tariff but has since adjusted his stance following a trade mission to China last week. "I was quoted on this a while ago, and I’d just clarify it’s not as simple as that," Moe stated when questioned about the possibility of dropping the electric vehicle levy. He noted that the United States is Canada’s largest trade partner and that the country has aligned its EV tariffs with U.S. policies, which has prompted a response from China.

During his discussions in China, Moe described the talks as "constructive" but refrained from sharing specific details. He acknowledged the complexity of restoring market access with one superpower while potentially jeopardizing relations with another. "Here’s the dance that I think all countries are finding themselves in, and it’s a sensitive and delicate dance. Decisions that you make (with one trade partner) will have an indirect impact on your relationship with another partner," he explained to reporters on Parliament Hill.

Moe was in Ottawa to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney, accompanied by leaders from Western Canada’s canola industry, which has been severely affected by tariffs. He reported having a "good meeting" with the prime minister but stressed the urgent need for action on the tariffs. Moe pointed out that it is unsustainable to continue providing financial relief to the canola sector and other industries facing challenges due to the uncertain global trade environment. "I don’t know that we can afford to backstop all the industries that might be impacted in what is such an uncertain trade environment globally … What we need is market access," he said.

Moe, who supported Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the recent federal election, expressed confidence in Carney’s leadership regarding trade issues. He noted a significant improvement in dialogue with the current prime minister compared to previous years, stating, "There’s a marked improvement, I would say, with the dialog that we’re seeing from the current prime minister versus, you know, the last number of years, and we’re appreciative of that."