REGINA — Saskatchewan leaders are offering a cautious reaction to breaking news that the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs.
The Supreme Court decided in a 6-3 ruling that Trump had exceeded his authority in using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on other countries, including Canada. Trump had cited a fentanyl emergency at the border as justification for steep tariffs imposed last year.
The ruling has received pushback from the White House, and it remains uncertain what the ramifications are and whether countries will need to be refunded.
In a statement, the Saskatchewan government said it was still looking into what the decision means for the province.
"While today’s ruling by the United States Supreme Court is good news, we are still evaluating the impact on Saskatchewan’s industries, economy and finances. This ruling does not remove all the U.S. tariffs and the U.S. administration may be evaluating other mechanisms to reimpose some or all of these tariffs," the statement read.
"Saskatchewan will continue our efforts to diversify our export markets to countries all over the world and to convince U.S. lawmakers that free and fair trade between Canada and the U.S. benefits businesses and consumers in both countries."
The reaction from Opposition Leader Carla Beck was even more cautious as she indicated Saskatchewan was still not out of the woods yet.
"Dealing with President Donald Trump and his tariffs has been like a roller coaster, and sadly we aren’t off this ride yet," said Beck in a statement.
"Trump clearly overstepped his authority in imposing tariffs, but we’re already hearing from his administration that this trade war isn’t over. Premier Scott Moe can’t afford to be complacent right now. We need to protect and stand up for Saskatchewan workers and businesses. That starts with our government buying Saskatchewan and buying Canadian in all its public procurement and contracts — something Scott Moe’s Sask. Party stopped doing months ago."
