The Government of Saskatchewan is rolling back its counter-tariff measures on the United States.
This comes just three months after the province implemented those measures and one day after the Trump administration won a ruling to keep their sweeping tariffs in place.
Read more:
- Sask. NDP critical of government’s reversal on U.S. alcohol ban
- Court rules Trump’s tariffs can stay in effect while appeal proceeds
- Five things to know about Canada’s counter-tariffs on the U.S.
In a statement, the government said it was returning to its standard procurement process and documentation.
“This change was made to allow Saskatchewan people the option to choose whether they want to buy these products or consider alternatives,” it said.
The statement continues by saying the government has already demonstrated its commitment to purchasing from Saskatchewan and Canadian suppliers.
“Over the past five years, the Government of Saskatchewan has awarded nearly 90 per cent of all procurements to Saskatchewan companies with more than 99 per cent of procurements awarded to Canadian companies, and less than one per cent awarded to US companies,” it said.
When the province announced it would end the sale of U.S. alcohol and halt procurement measures, Premier Scott Moe said this was a direct response to the tariffs.
“These extraordinary measures are a direct response to President Trump’s unjustified tariffs and a direct attack on the Canadian economy,” Moe said in a statement back in March.
In February, Moe called the American tariffs “very, very harmful,” and said the looming trade war will harm everyone in both nations through rising prices and job losses.
The premier pointed specifically to the agricultural, energy, retail and mining sectors as the areas expected to suffer during the trade dispute. Moe called on political and business leaders to reach out to their American contacts in order to help make the case against the tariffs.
But, Moe added, while the United States is Saskatchewan’s largest trading partner, his government has worked hard in recent years to diversify its trade interests and bring on new partners, meaning the province might not be hit as hard by the U.S. tariffs as other parts of Canada.
Murray Wood: Allowing U.S. booze back into Sask. stores sends mixed message
The provincial government is reversing its ban on U.S. alcohol brands, at the same time as President Donald Trump is trying to ramp up his tariffs. Murray Wood says Saskatchewan seems to be waving a white flag.
–with files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick