SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan NDP said the recent collapse of trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. will be a test of Premier Scott Moe’s leadership as trade tensions continue to escalate between the two countries.
The Opposition is calling for U.S. alcohol to be removed immediately, pointing to the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on a range of Canadian exports, including alcoholic beverages. Shadow Minister for Trade and Export development Kim Breckner said Saskatchewan should respond by standing alongside other provinces rather than taking a separate approach.
Breckner and Don McBean, Shadow Minister for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, believe one way to show that support is to remove U.S.-made alcohol and liquor from shelves and support a buy-Canadian approach.
Breckner said removing U.S.-made wines and spirits would have an economic impact beyond the value of the products themselves, arguing that reduced Canadian consumption could put pressure on U.S. stakeholders with influence in the White House.
“We know that our consumption is small but mighty,” Breckner said, adding that the measure could create a bargaining tool for Prime Minister Mark Carney if trade negotiations with the U.S. ever resume, despite the U.S. imposing 50 per cent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods entering the country.
Breckner added that the issue should also be viewed through the impact the trade dispute is having on Saskatchewan workers and families concerned about their jobs and financial security because of the rising cost of living and the economic uncertainty it creates for local workers.
“I think it comes back to the extent that he’s [Moe] willing to go to show that he cares about workers in this province. It’s a test of his leadership, whether he’s going to do all he can to stick up for those people,” said Breckner.
She added that only Saskatchewan and Alberta have put American liquor back on store shelves. At the same time, other provincial premiers have maintained restrictions on U.S. alcohol as part of their response to the trade dispute and as a way of supporting Carney’s decision to walk away from the negotiations.
McBean said Moe can act directly through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority by directing it to stop purchasing and distributing American alcohol.
“Canadian wineries, breweries and distilleries are being hit with a 50 per cent tariff, and Scott Moe is still helping American producers sell their products here in Saskatchewan,” McBean said. “How does that make any sense?”
McBean said Saskatchewan and Canadian producers offer consumers alternatives that support domestic businesses and jobs. He added that, although liquor represents only a small part of the overall Canada-U.S. trade relationship, its visibility gives the issue significance beyond its economic value.
“We have incredible Saskatchewan and Canadian producers making world-class beer, wine and spirits. Instead of sending Saskatchewan dollars south while Trump attacks our producers, let’s put Canadian products front and centre and support Canadian jobs,” he said.
“It’s not in terms of dollars. It’s not a big player in the economic trade world, but it is a very visible one which people understand. We’re not telling people what they can drink. We’re just deciding again that the publicly controlled liquor distribution won’t facilitate U.S. product.”
McBean added that removing U.S. liquor would not dictate what Saskatchewan residents can drink, but would instead determine what the province’s publicly controlled distribution system facilitates.
The two opposition critics also called for a broader Canada-first approach to provincial procurement, arguing that Saskatchewan should look for domestic alternatives in areas where goods and services are currently sourced from the United States.
Breckner and McBean said removing U.S. liquor would be a relatively small economic measure but a highly visible demonstration of solidarity with Canadian producers and other provinces, arguing that the move would show Saskatchewan is ready to stand with Canadian workers and businesses.
Moe makes no commitment on U.S. liquor
Moe, in a recent interview during the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton, did not commit to immediately removing U.S. liquor products when asked specifically about criticism that they remained on Saskatchewan shelves.
Instead, he said the province would discuss whether to follow the approach taken by other provinces and ban U.S.-made alcohol or impose a potential tariff, suggesting the move would be considered alongside other possible measures involving American companies, investment and sales in Saskatchewan.
“There are many other opportunities when it comes to our relationship with American companies and, you know, American investment and American sales in this province as well,” said Moe, who stopped short of announcing a ban or immediate removal from shelves.
He emphasized that Saskatchewan would co-ordinate with the federal government and other provinces rather than act in isolation, saying the province should respond to the U.S. tariffs in a targeted, measured way that maximizes pressure on Washington while minimizing harm to Saskatchewan consumers.
