Premier Scott Moe shared his thoughts on trade with the U.S. after a tentative trade deal was struck to avoid another round of tariffs. While the fine details are being worked on, Moe told reporters on Wednesday in Prince Albert that the broad agreement is good for Saskatchewan, Canada and the world. “We need to have, in many ways, preferred market access to our largest trading partner,” Moe said. “I feel that is what we’re in the process of achieving.” CTV News has learned tariffs in certain sectors like steel and aluminum are being reduced, as part of the agreement. While these tariffs have only affected roughly five per cent of the Saskatchewan economy, Moe said the status quo was not possible and negotiators had to find the best path forward with the country’s largest trading partner. He said the deal means Canada will have the best trade agreement of any country in the world with the United States. The premier said about 94 per cent of Saskatchewan’s economy would be tariff-free even if the threatened 50 per cent tariffs were imposed. However, he said industries hit with sectoral tariffs like steel and aluminum are still feeling the largest impact. “Any reduction in those sectoral tariffs or any potential reductions in those sectoral tariffs is going to provide certainty and what will hopefully be somewhat of a more competitive environment than we currently have today,” Moe said. Moe added it was imperative for Canada to negotiate tariff reductions on those affected industries. The premier also said Prime Minister Mark Carney asked Canadian premiers to put American booze back on shelves to move the deal forward during a conference call Wednesday afternoon. Saskatchewan and Alberta are the only two provinces who have continued to sell American alcohol. With files from Kayla Thompson, Samantha Pope, Luca Caruso-Moro and The Canadian Press
