January 24, 2025
Earlier this week, our CEO, Prabha Ramaswamy, and Vice Chair, Khurrum Awan, met with Premier Scott Moe for a productive discussion on several key issues vital to Saskatchewan’s future.
Tariffs were a major focus, with discussions emphasizing the economic toll they impose—$1,900 per person in Canada and $1,300 per person in the U.S. While the impact of proposed tariffs on Canada is significant, we must focus advocacy efforts on the substantial burden tariffs place on the U.S. economy.
A collaborative approach between Saskatchewan, the Council of the Federation, and the Government of Canada was highlighted as essential to protect businesses and foster fair trade. As the least dependent province on exports to the U.S. (at 56%), Saskatchewan should continue strengthening trade relationships with other markets and expanding into new countries. A made-in-Saskatchewan strategy to broaden partnerships with global allies remains a top priority.
Reducing interprovincial trade barriers—currently inflating costs by 7.8% to 14.5%—was another critical area of focus, identified as a key opportunity to offset the economic impact of tariffs and enhance competitiveness.
The national pharmacare rollout was discussed, with a call for a balanced approach that preserves the strengths of the current mix of public and private plans effectively serving Canadians.
Saskatchewan is well-positioned to thrive, even in challenging times.