Premier Scott Moe has announced Saskatchewan will stop purchasing U.S. produced alcohol as U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs come into effect.
Any future government capital projects have also been paused. For those in progress, contractors will be asked to report on American products and reduce that amount.
“These extraordinary measures are a direct response to President Trump’s unjustified tariffs and a direct attack on the Canadian economy,” Moe said. “This decision was not made lightly, but the Government of Saskatchewan has always and will always stand up for Saskatchewan’s interests and protect our jobs, our economy and our residents.”
Liquor retailers will no longer be able to order U.S.-produced alcohol, however they may still choose to sell their remaining inventory.
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan has been directed to source from other suppliers the $43 million of VLT and slot machines that are to be upgraded this year and are currently procured from the United States.
“The United States has always been Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner, but when they attack our economy, we have to push back,” Moe said.
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“Our exports lower the cost of living for millions of Americans and support jobs on both sides of the border. Our goal is to end these tariffs and retaliatory measures as soon as possible so that we can resume our long standing, mutually beneficial relationship.”
The Government of Saskatchewan will also expect school divisions, municipalities and post-secondary institutions to adopt similar procurement policies that prioritize Canadian goods and services.
On Wednesday, Moe and his cabinet met to discuss options just one day after Trump levelled tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods heading south, along with a 10 per cent levy on energy.
The decision from Moe comes a day after most other provinces made the announcement. When asked why he did not announce it yesterday, Moe said 24 hours later is of little significance.
“There’s a lot of emotion in this discussion on when decisions are made and what decisions are made,” Moe said. “There’s a lot of hypothetical statements that are thrown out there.
“We need to understand there is going to be a changing environment. Some of that is going to be emotional. But as we move forward, we as representatives of the Government of Saskatchewan need to make very calm, sensible decisions that are in the best interest of the people who live here.”
The Saskatchewan NDP say a response should have been ready yesterday.
“How is it that every other premier saw the tariff train rolling down the tracks, and yet our government is nowhere to be found?” NDP jobs and economy critic Aleana Young told reporters Wednesday.
“This is not a time for cowards. Saskatchewan cannot be last to the front lines of this fight, and yet here we are.”
Moe said the decision to pull liquor from shelves was made before the cabinet meeting Wednesday.
Moe has faced pressure to act from other premiers, as Ontario’s Doug Ford said Tuesday that Moe’s government should stop selling potash, uranium and oil to the United States and instead find different markets.
Moe said cutting off the supply entirely isn’t on the table.
“If you were to shut down production going to the U.S., and let’s use potash as an example, that would result in immediate job loss in Saskatchewan,” Moe said. “That’s not our goal. Our goal is to open up markets not only in the U.S. but around the world.”
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