Saskatchewan set to work with Biden administration: Moe

Premier Scott Moe says his government is ready to get down to business with Joe Biden’s administration.

Moe issued a statement Wednesday following Biden’s inauguration in which the premier said he hoped for “the success and prosperity of the United States” under the new president.

Speaking to 980 CJME a little later, Moe said Biden is the people’s pick in the U.S. and Saskatchewan will be working with this administration in the same way it worked with the previous one.

“We’re already engaging with Senate (and) congressional leaders on issues important to Saskatchewan and have reached out and are in the process of reaching out to some of President Biden’s appointments to start that engagement on behalf of Saskatchewan industry and Saskatchewan people,” said Moe.

The United States is Canada’s biggest trading partner, with 65 per cent of our exports going there. But in the past four years, there have been some roadblocks.

Moe said he believes there will be challenges with the new administration just like there were with the old.

“But I also am hopeful there will be challenges that we will, due to our relationship, have the opportunity to make our case where necessary and will be given the opportunity to at least modify or find our way through whatever those challenges are,” said Moe.

Chief among the challenges Moe is concerned about right now is the Keystone XL pipeline expansion, which Biden is expected to cancel approval for as one of his first acts in office.

“That is a step backwards on the very first day that I think should be concerning for all Canadians in this relationship,” said Moe.

Moe had said it’s troubling that TC Energy suspended work on the pipeline. The Calgary company made the announcement Wednesday, expecting Biden to revoke approval of the project.

Ultimately, Moe said the province will keep trading with the U.S., keep working with different industries, and keep advocating for Saskatchewan interests.