Moe optimistic about Canada-U.S. trade deal

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe expressed optimism about the potential Canada-U.S. trade deal, noting that a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to forgo imposing 50% tariffs on Canadian goods is beneficial for the province. Moe believes that these additional levies would have negatively impacted businesses and the overall economy.

He anticipates that negotiations could lead to reduced tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Moe cited the closure of a sawmill in Saskatchewan as evidence of the damaging effects of these tariffs. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged provinces to reintroduce U.S. liquor onto store shelves, a measure that would not affect Saskatchewan since the province never instituted a ban.

Moe emphasized the importance of achieving preferred market access to the U.S., Canada's largest trading partner, stating, "I feel that is what we're in the process of achieving." However, he clarified that the current status quo, which existed under the previous Canada-United States-Mexico free trade agreement, is no longer feasible.

Moe asserted that Canada will secure the strongest trade agreement in the world with the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 19, 2026.