Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is sounding off in support of Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, which came into effect today. In a post to social media Tuesday morning, Moe argued the countermeasures are necessary to respond to the U.S. trade actions. However, he maintained his long-held position that the trade war will strain consumers on both sides of the border. “Our goal still needs to be getting back to the table to negotiate the best deal for Canadians,” Moe wrote. “Saskatchewan didn’t ask for this trade fight, but we will stand up for our people and industries. We’ll keep opening new markets, strengthening trade relationships and getting more Saskatchewan products to the world.” The federal counter-tariffs were not the only trade measures that went into effect Tuesday. Saskatchewan’s 50 per cent levy on American alcohol, announced last month, officially went into effect Tuesday. Federal support On top of responding to U.S. trade actions, representatives of the federal government were also in Saskatchewan Tuesday to announce the expansion of certain business supports. A total of $5.3 million was awarded to six firms as part of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Included on the list was Degelman Industries, which will receive $1 million to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and optimize productivity. Saskarc Inc, or infraMOD will also receive $1 million, with the funds aimed at installing processing and automation equipment while Seedmaster Manufacturing will see $596,347 to “accelerate its export sales” to international markets. According to the federal government, the funding will support projects that employ a total of 70 people. A total of $3.45 billion in funding is being disseminated as part of RTRI. The initiative is aimed at helping businesses affected by tariffs address liquidity problems, strengthen competitiveness and diversify markets. Local impact Many businesses across Saskatchewan have become familiar with the ups and down of the ongoing trade war. “I see what it cost me to get the products on my shelves and keep my doors open. On the other side, I see as well my customers checking their bills at the counter and deciding what they can leave behind,” said Amjed Rafiquie, the owner of Savor Supermarket and Halal Meat in Saskatoon. Rafiquie’s store sells a variety of imported products that have been impacted by the series of tariffs imposed over the past year. He shares that his business has taken a hit since the beginning of the trade war. “Once they get to us, there are fuel charges, transportation charges, and then tariffs and all those things add up. And how much we can pass on to the customers. It’s not possible because the customers are already struggling with very low buying power,” Rafiquie said. The local business owner said he sees a lot of customers who shop on lower budgets, and has seen firsthand how the frequently changing tariffs impact those who walk through his doors. Rafiquie said his business caters to mostly first-generation immigrants from around the world, many of which are either in temporary or part-time jobs. “They are facing [a] very tight budget to settle in Saskatoon and different parts,” he added. “So with that situation, they get very tight budgets to survive.”
