The spring session of Saskatchewan’s legislative assembly began with the presentation of the provincial budget by the Sask. Party government. The main focus of the debate during this session was on U.S. tariffs and the lack of a contingency plan in the budget to address them. The budget, which predicts a $12-million surplus and additional spending in core areas, does not set aside funds to deal with potential tariffs. The opposition NDP criticized the government for not having a plan to protect Saskatchewan people and industry from tariffs, while Premier Scott Moe expressed confidence in the province’s ability to handle the impacts as they unfold.
NDP Leader Carla Beck introduced a motion calling on the assembly to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump for seeking to annex Canada and imposing tariffs on Canadian goods. Premier Moe revised the motion to focus on the statement, “Canada will never be the 51st state,” along with supporting his government’s plans to address tariffs. The assembly ultimately passed the revised motion, but Beck questioned why the language was softened, emphasizing the need for action and a plan to address the tariffs that are affecting the country and the province. Despite differences in wording, both parties expressed the importance of addressing the unprecedented time with a concrete plan of action.
Ahead of the session, NDP members wore Team Canada hockey jerseys and sang the national anthem on the steps of the legislature in a show of support for the country. However, Speaker Todd Goudy asked them not to wear their sweaters inside the chamber, citing rules that allow only appropriate business attire or ethnic dress. This decision was unexpected by the NDP, who had coordinated the demonstration with the jerseys and colors. The ongoing trade war has seen the U.S. impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, with additional tariffs planned for Canada in April. China has also imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural products in response to levies imposed by Canada.
Premier Moe has expressed concern over the potential impact of tariffs on Saskatchewan’s canola industry, stating that it could devastate the sector. Moe is expected to meet virtually with other premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the trade war and potential strategies to address the tariffs. The budgetary implications of the tariffs, as well as the need for a plan to mitigate their impacts, have been central topics of discussion in the legislative assembly. Both the government and opposition have emphasized the importance of taking action and developing a strategy to protect the province’s economy and industries from the effects of the tariffs, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation in addressing these challenges.
