MOOSE JAW — Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling out the Saskatchewan Party government for what she described as a weak and inadequate response to the latest U.S. trade tariff proposals, while the province pushes back with new measures aimed at protecting Saskatchewan industries from the ongoing threat of tariffs from the Trump administration.
Beck criticizes Sask. Party’s tariff response
Speaking at the Moose Jaw Refinery Partnership recently, Beck said Premier Scott Moe and the Sask. Party government have not acted with enough urgency in addressing the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“ (recently) was weak — a weak response to a trade war that we didn’t start, but (that) we have no intention of backing down from,” Beck said.
Beck argued that the tariffs pose a serious economic threat to the province and called for an emergency session of the legislature to develop a plan to protect Saskatchewan jobs and industries.
“We have people who are worried about their jobs at a time when people are already struggling (with) the cost of living, (and) people (are) concerned about their communities,” she said. “And nowhere to be found was our premier.”
She also called on the two Sask. Party MLAs in Moose Jaw, MLA Tim McLeod and MLA Megan Patterson, to hold a public town hall to address the issue.
“This is a time for action. The Sask. NDP has been proposing action and doing the work for months, both to fight back but also to plan to secure our economic future,” she said.
Sask. Party defends government measures
In response, Tim McLeod, MLA for Moose Jaw North and minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, dismissed Beck’s criticism and outlined the steps the Sask. Party government has already taken to counteract the impact of tariffs.
“The Saskatchewan government’s response is consistent and aligned with that of all other Canadian provinces,” McLeod said. “These actions will prioritize local and Canadian suppliers in procurement, with the goal of reducing or eliminating U.S. procurement and protecting Saskatchewan jobs, residents, and economic growth.”
McLeod pointed to several key measures announced by the province on March 5, including:
- Pausing all future government capital projects until tender documents can be revised to ensure companies disclose the jurisdiction of their suppliers
- Directing Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to stop purchasing U.S.-produced alcohol and prioritizing Canadian suppliers for government procurement
- Shifting the $43 million procurement of VLT and slot machines away from U.S. suppliers to other jurisdictions
- Encouraging school divisions, municipalities, and post-secondary institutions to adopt similar policies that prioritize Canadian goods and services
McLeod also accused the NDP of hypocrisy, citing their past opposition to pipeline projects and trade expansion efforts.
“The sudden about-face from Ms. Beck and her NDP caucus is nothing short of hypocritical,” he said. “Unlike the NDP, the Sask. Party government didn’t come to these positions as a result of threats from Donald Trump. These have always been our positions, as they represent what is best for Saskatchewan’s economy, jobs, and families.”
Trade relations and economic diversification
Beck emphasized that Saskatchewan must reduce its reliance on trade with the United States and called for major infrastructure investments to diversify economic ties.
“We cannot be overly reliant on trade with the U.S.,” she said. “I hope things go back to the way that they were, but we can’t be caught in this position again.”
McLeod countered that the province has already been working to expand trade relationships beyond the U.S.
“In February 2025, Premier Scot Moe travelled on two trade missions to engage with Saskatchewan’s counterparts in the United States and Mexico,” he said. “Minister Warren Kaeding also led a delegation to Vietnam and Singapore, and Minister Daryl Harrison travelled to India and the UAE.”
McLeod also highlighted Saskatchewan’s $47.2 billion investment in infrastructure since forming government, including new schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and highways.
Ukrainian refugees
Beck also took aim at , urging the Moe government to take a stand and welcome them to the province.
“Saskatchewan has a special relationship… with Ukraine,” she said. “Now is the time to stand up and do what’s right — to be willing to make room in this beautiful province for those who are being treated so terribly by Donald Trump.”
McLeod said the province is open to accepting Ukrainian refugees but noted that immigration policy is a federal responsibility.
“On March 7, 2025, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Immigration and Career Training wrote to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to request that, should the U.S. government decide to revoke the status of Ukrainian refugees residing in the United States, that Canada would consider reopening applications for ,” he said.
“Saskatchewan is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees, as we have throughout this tragic conflict, should Canada allow them access to apply for a CUAET visa.”
