Moe, Beck condemn U.S. decision to help Russia access fertilizer markets

Premier Scott Moe and NDP Leader Carla Beck found themselves agreeing on at least one issue on Tuesday.

Both leaders condemned a statement from the White House indicating that the United States would help restore Russia’s access to the world market for “agricultural and fertilizer exports.”

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Beck told reporters the move could impact Saskatchewan’s farmers and potash producers.

“We need to work with producer groups, with people in this province, to ensure that they have access to the supports that they need; that their voices are present at that table and that we use every tool in the toolbox,” Beck said.

“This is a time for leaders to lead. This is a time to set aside partisan crap, to work across partisan and provincial lines, and to meet the challenge that has been brought to us.”

Moe called the White House statement “disturbing”.

“This is how you fund, essentially, the Russian invasion of Ukraine… They are killing Ukrainians each and every day by the president’s words,” the premier said on Tuesday.

“This is incredibly disturbing for myself, I think for Saskatchewan residents, all Canadians, and I would say that (it’s) likely incredibly disturbing for so many global citizens.”

The U.S. has also placed 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian potash.

“We didn’t pick this fight, but we’re not going to lose,” Beck said.

Beck commended Moe for condemning the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, something which she has repeatedly urged him to do.

“This is a five-alarm fire and I’m glad that he woke up. But I’ve heard from folks in this industry who have been worried for months that this was the long game with Donald Trump,” she said.

Moe said he’s always tried to speak about the U.S.-Canada trade war in a “restrained” way in order to avoid escalation.

“I’ve been very careful not to escalate and amplify the rhetoric from the Saskatchewan perspective, because our goal is to have that free and fair trading environment, not only with the U.S., but many other countries around the world,” Moe said.

“However, in saying that, we’re also fully aware of what we do provide, and the importance of Saskatchewan products.”