'Take what President Trump says seriously, but don't take it literally': Sask. premier
CBC
Premier Scott Moe says U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs are affecting provincial finances because of what Saskatchewan produces, adding the deficit in the province's upcoming budget is necessary to protect services.
In a speech to Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) delegates at their annual convention in Regina on Wednesday, he added this message:
"Take what President Trump says seriously, but don't take it literally each and every day."
Moe said he has long believed the province needs to respond, but shouldn't react to everything Trump says.
The U.S. will continue to be Canada's largest trading partner and ally, Moe said.
Saskatchewan will be more resilient to the tariffs than most provinces because of what it produces and its diverse economy, he added.
However, Moe said Saskatchewan is not immune to direct or indirect impacts of American tariffs, adding they've had a significant impact on the province's finances.
In preparing the upcoming budget, his government had a choice between raising taxes and cutting services or protecting services that people expect, he said.
The deficit in the budget will be "larger than I want," Moe said.
"We'll find a way through this current instability. But in the immediate term, we made the choice to protect the services, in particular health-care service."
Moe told SARM delegates about additional amendments his government is making to the provincial Firearms Act to help gun owners and businesses "receive fair compensation for their property that has been targeted by federal legislation."
Ottawa has banned approximately 2,500 "assault-style" firearm models, arguing they're made for warfare rather than hunting or sport.
Gun owners have until March 31 to declare their interest in turning in the prohibited guns.
A pool of $248.6 million will be used to compensate those who take part in the program, which the government estimates will pay for about 136,000 outlawed guns.
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