Sask. Opposition's attempt to condemn Donald Trump, wear Team Canada jerseys goes sideways
NDP forced to remove jerseys before entering chamber, had motion amended by government
A day that began with the Saskatchewan NDP caucus clothed in red hockey gear and singing O Canada on the steps of the provincial legislature did not end the way the Official Opposition planned.
The party members swapped out their orange for Team Canada hockey jerseys on Thursday as they sought to introduce an emergency motion to condemn President Donald Trump's administration, his tariffs and the threat of making Canada the 51st state.
It also asserted the federal government should not impose export taxes or impose limits on exports of natural resources in Saskatchewan.
"This was not, should not have been, a partisan motion. It should have been something that all people in that assembly, all leaders in that assembly could agree to," NDP Leader Carla Beck said.
The NDP's joy didn't last long, as their MLAs were forced to take off the Team Canada jerseys to enter the legislative chamber.
The party has since confirmed the decision was made by Speaker Todd Goudy.
In a statement, Goudy said he was upholding decorum in the House and enforcing a rule requiring business attire.
"There have been instances where concessions have been made, but I was not informed ahead of time," Goudy said.
The NDP's dissatisfaction did not end there, as its motion was swiftly amended by the Sask. Party government.
The amendment confirmed that Canada would never be the 51st state and endorsed the province's tariff response plan — including the need to take counter action against "unjustified tariffs" and increase procurement from Saskatchewan-based employers — but removed Trump's name.
Beck said the switch didn't make sense.
"I think the bigger concern we saw today, again from this government, was their inability to actually name Donald Trump as the person who is threatening this country," said Beck.
"I, in fact, find that even more troubling than being asked to take off the jersey before we went into the assembly."
After a period of debate, the NDP ultimately voted in support of the government's amendment. It passed unanimously.
Premier Scott Moe defended the decision to remove Trump's name. He said it was about toning down the political rhetoric.
"Words are words. We need a plan, we need action. That's what Canadian families in Saskatchewan, families I think are asking politicians of all levels to dial back the rhetoric and to come forward with what is your actual plan on how we're going to react to what is really an unprecedented time," said Moe.
It's still not clear what the province's response to the tariffs will be.
The government didn't provide any contingency funds to deal with tariff repercussions in Wednesday's budget. China's 100 per cent tariff on Canola kicked in Thursday, while more U.S. tariffs are expected next month.
Moe confirmed he'll be joining a call with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other premiers on Friday.
Moe said he intends to ask Carney to make contact with Chinese officials to end the canola tariff as soon as possible.
With a federal election call likely in the coming days, Moe said he hopes action on the Chinese tariffs is taken before Carney hits the campaign trail.
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