Moe dismisses 51st state talk in first remarks after D.C. trip

Last week, premiers across Canada traveled to Washington to discuss the latest developments on tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Following the trip to the U.S. capital, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also visited Mexico, aiming to strengthen trade relations with the country.

Moe spoke with media following the trip on Wednesday at his Saskatoon cabinet office.

He emphasized that despite ongoing challenges with tariffs, Canada and Saskatchewan remain strong trading partners with the U.S.

“We find ourselves in very difficult times dealing with an individual that may not be entirely accurate with the perceived facts that they might bring to the table,” Moe said.

“We have to also face the reality that this gentleman is the President of the United States, and we have to deal with them as he is the president of the largest trading partner that we have, and I would say, the longest ally that we have as Canadians.”

“We have to deal with this individual,” referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, and “Canada will never be the 51st state,” says @PremierScottMoe at Saskatoon cabinet office. @CKOMNews @CJMENews pic.twitter.com/txwtnC0zrl

— Lara Fominoff (@LaraFominoff) February 19, 2025

Moe stressed that Saskatchewan must continue a path forward to maintain strong international trade relationships. He also cautioned that Trump’s words should not be taken lightly.

“It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves in a situation like this, but we do and we need to take the entirety of the situation very seriously,” he said.

Moe also dismissed speculation that Canada could be pushed further under U.S. influence, stating firmly that “Canada will never become the 51st state.”

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Moe stresses border security and buying Canadian

Moe acknowledged since returning that concerns over fentanyl and border security remain pressing issues at home.

“That’s why you’ve seen a provincial investment and credit to the federal government’s significant investment as well,” he said. “We need to continue to do more to eradicate fentanyl from our communities.”

As for his trip to Mexico, Moe met with industry partners and importing organizations to strengthen Saskatchewan’s trade ties.

“It’s a challenging conversation we find ourselves in right now, Moe said. “It’s necessary that we partake in it, and we’re going to continue to do so until we find our way to better ground.”

While some premiers will be in Washington again this week, Moe will remain in Saskatchewan.

“But we will be returning sooner rather than later to engage with some additional members of President Trump’s appointees,” he said.

He has also noticed the growing trend of consumers choosing Canadian-made products, which he fully supports.

“We should always be looking to buy local and buy Canadian,” he said.

“This a very good opportunity for us to look in the mirror that we should be supporting our friends and neighbours that are producing things in our community or our province or our nation, and always looking close to home for whatever it is we purchase.”