After some confusion this week over comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, Thursday he confirmed that a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods will be imposed on March 4, with a double tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum to follow shortly.
The confirmation from Trump has sparked more concern from local steelworkers, who will be among the hardest hit from the tariffs, at a combined 50 per cent.
The 500 steelworkers currently at Regina’s Evraz steel plant are extremely concerned.
“Trump started talking about 25 per cent, then you get good news that he’s come to his senses a little bit but then [he’s] starting a trade war now at 50 per cent,” Mike Day, president of USW Local 5890 said.
The news has Saskatchewan’s NDP calling for massive investments in pipelines and railways to offset the impacts of the tariffs.
“We’re in a crisis in this country and something needs to be done, there absolutely needs to be investment from all governments, all leaders, public and private interests to get this trade enabling infrastructure built,” Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck said.
Earlier this week Trump called for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, pledging instant approvals and an almost immediate start.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who has been on two trips to Washington in February hoping to promote free trade, said that all pipeline permits going east-west or south received in Saskatchewan will now be considered pre-approved. He added that all other provinces and the federal government should do the same.
Beck is not so sure Moe can do that.
“We understand the need to get pipelines built absolutely,” she said. “But you’re right that is not in the premier’s jurisdiction,” Beck added while speaking to reporters Thursday.
The provincial government said Moe’s statement was a show of support for pipelines, but that environmental regulations and duty to consult requirements would still have to be followed.
-With files from Drew Postey
