Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says U.S. President Donald Trump “may not be entirely accurate with perceived facts” but is someone Canada must work with.
Moe said Wednesday the U.S. will remain Canada’s largest trading partner beyond Trump’s term and Canada needs to find a path where free trade between both countries can continue.
“We have to face the reality that this gentleman is the president for the United States and we have to deal with him,” Moe told a news conference.
He added that Canada will never join the U.S.
“Canada is never going to be the 51st state. It’s just not going to happen.”
He said Canadian leaders need to move beyond a policy to “stick it” to Trump because Canada’s economy would suffer in the long term.
Moe and other premiers were in Washington last week to convince American officials that imposing tariffs on Canadian goods is a bad idea.
Trump has said he plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum next month, and he’s considering additional tariffs on other goods.
On Tuesday, the province announced the spring sitting of the legislature would begin March 19 — budget day.
NDP opposition leader Carla Beck has been pushing for the session to begin earlier so more progress could be made while in the crosshairs of tariffs.
-With files from CTV’s John Flatters
