Prime ministers will meet in Ottawa this week to counter U.S. threats of 25% tariffs as Canada prepares for Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks with David Cochrane on CBC power and politics He said Monday that while tariffs are “likely” to be imposed, Canada needs to take President Trump’s comments seriously.
“It’s our responsibility to take President-elect Trump’s words seriously and continue to work to prevent something like that from happening. But if it does happen… [we must] We will do our best to unlock it as soon as possible depending on your level. ”
Moe’s remarks followed a high-profile meeting at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend in which Alberta Premier Daniel Smith and businessman Kevin O’Leary met with President-elect Trump.
Moe said one of President Trump’s priorities is strengthening border security. Moe highlighted areas where Canadian and American interests align, particularly on issues such as combating illegal drug and arms trafficking.
“Ultimately, it’s a two-way street, and it strengthens the security of North America. It’s a no-brainer and a positive conversation for us,” Moe said.
Watch | Prime Ministers take their fight against US tariffs to an American audience.
With less than a week left until President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Canada’s prime ministers are gearing up for his promise to impose 25% tariffs on imported goods. Power & Politics spoke with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe about the move in his province. Additionally, PEI Premier Dennis King will be joining us on the road, and Team PEI will be taking to the streets on a bus to engage with industry leaders and stakeholders in the Northeastern United States.
The Saskatchewan government is expected to announce Tuesday the province’s efforts to strengthen security measures at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border.
Moe said Canada is putting $1.3 billion into border security, but added that the provincial and federal governments need to work together to present a unified plan.
“Where is the $1.3 billion going? Can federal and state efforts work together? That’s what we need to be talking about now.”
Prime Minister Moe also expressed concern about retaliatory tariffs and their potential impact on Canada’s economy and unity. Asked about Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s recent comments suggesting that “all options are on the table,” including restricting Canada’s exports to the United States, Moe was unequivocal.
“There are no export duties or restrictions on the products Canadians produce and provide to people around the world,” Moe said. “It would be the most divisive situation we’ll ever find ourselves in. It would divide this country down the middle and be far more dire than tariffs at the 49th parallel.”
Moe and other prime ministers have spoken directly with U.S. officials, but they stressed the importance of the federal government’s strong powers to negotiate with the Trump administration.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to need a prime minister who has the power to bring the debate to the same level as the president,” Mo said.
He called for a federal election “sooner rather than later” to give Canadians a chance to take charge.
“North America’s strength is how we build energy security, food security, manufacturing security and general security,” he said.
