Chamber meeting with Group of North Dakota Chambers to Promote Trade amidst Tariffs

 
Regina, July 9, 2018 – Today, Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is meeting with partners in the North Dakota chamber network as we continue to advocate the value of open trade borders despite the recent steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the US government and subsequent retaliatory measures taken by the Canadian government.

“Trade between neighbours has always been important and our relationship with our closest neighbours is critical,” said Steve McLellan, CEO Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “Trade is also a two-way street and fair trade has been the focus of much of our efforts in the last couple years. This trip will reinforce our position and our relationship with our chamber colleagues across the border.”

Here in Saskatchewan, exports to North Dakota totalled over $518 million in 2017, while our province imported nearly $1.6 billion over the same period. Since North Dakota currently has a trade surplus of over $1 billion per year with Saskatchewan, it is clearly in their best interest to maintain a positive relationship when it comes to cross-border trade.

Joining the SCC on the trip south of the border is the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC). The group will meet with representatives from the Minot, Grand Forks, Bismark, and Greater North Dakota Chambers of Commerce.

“While we (MCC) support the decision by the Prime Minister, we strongly believe adding barriers to trade will result in no winners, and only add to increased and unneeded tensions between our two countries,” said Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “North Dakota is our closest trading partner and we, as a chamber network, must continue to share the importance of trade and not let tariffs impact businesses in our two jurisdictions.”
 
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce serves as the Voice of Business and represents the interests of 10,000 businesses across the province through the Chamber network.

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Find out more about the importance of Saskatchewan trade with North Dakota here.
 
For additional information, please contact:

Steve McLellan                                                    Cory Kolt                                           
CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce         Director of Policy and Communications     
306-533-7686                                                    204-396-6751                   
Email: smclellan@saskchamber.com                     Email: ckolt@mbchamber.mb.ca