Official Government delegation of Saskatchewan leaders should head to U.S. immediately during 30-day reprieve from tariffs: Carla Beck
REGINA – The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on Premier Scott Moe to immediately establish a “Team Saskatchewan Taskforce” that can move quickly to avert a looming trade war with the United States.
Made up of leaders in industry, small business, labour, and Indigenous enterprise, the Taskforce will ensure Saskatchewan is proactive in bringing forward ideas and addressing challenges to protect Saskatchewan jobs and livelihoods. The Taskforce would also bring the message directly to Americans about the harm caused by a potential trade war.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is formally requesting a position on the Taskforce to provide a wide range of feedback and advice her Caucus gathered from industry CEOs, labour leaders, workers and concerned residents in the face of the tariff threat.
“We need all hands-on deck — we need a Team Saskatchewan approach,” Beck said. “I have heard from so many people still deeply concerned about the impact of a no-win trade war — and I want the Premier and all of the people of Saskatchewan to know that my team is here to help in any way we can.”
Specifically, leaders from Saskatchewan’s top three export industries — oil, potash, and canola — will be represented on the Taskforce industries as they make up more than 70 per cent of the $27 billion in Saskatchewan products sent to the U.S. annually. Beck said the Taskforce should be sent as an official delegation to the U.S. in February, as soon as possible.
The call for a task force comes after a 30-day reprieve was granted Monday following a call between the U.S. President and the Prime Minister.
“The people in this Team Saskatchewan Taskforce can leverage their own contacts here and south of the border,” Beck said. “We can take our message directly to people in the United States and make it clear this trade war will make their lives harder, grind production to a halt and drive up the cost of everyday goods.”
“We have just 30 days to protect our communities, our workers and their livelihoods,” Beck added.
A similar provincial task force on Trade and Economic Security has been established by B.C. Premier David Eby in response to the tariff threat. As well, the federal government has established a Canada-U.S. relations council made up of former Premiers, business and labour leaders.
-30-
THE BATTLEFORDS – While attending a Chamber presentation in The Battlefords, Shadow Seniors Minister Keith Jorgenson slammed Sask. Party Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill for cutting healthcare in his home riding.
NO PLAN TO DEFEND AGAINST TARIFFS OR BUILD ECONOMY, CUTS TO HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION
REGINA - The Sask. Party budget is not focused on the future. In fact, it’s not even based in the reality of the serious challenges facing Saskatchewan today.