Brad Wall

 

 

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is wading back into the debate over proposed protectionist Buy American measures.

Wall says the job-creation bill from U.S. President Barack Obama will threaten jobs and economic development on both sides of the border.

The legislation requires public infrastructure work be done with U.S.-made materials.

Wall says protectionist measures caused more harm than good during the Depression and the hurt now would be more severe because the economies are highly integrated.

He has written a letter to leading senators and speakers of state legislatures asking for help to defeat the bill before Congress.

The premier notes the measures as currently proposed would have a limited impact on Saskatchewan and the southwest.

60% of provincial exports go to the US and Wall says any movement towards similar measures in other parts of the economy could be very hurtful.

Wall, who is on the verge of calling a provincial election, spoke out against similar Buy American provisions in 2009. The federal government pushed for and received an exemption for Canada on those measures.

Click here for Brad Wall's letter to US Senator Joe Lieberman

Shawn Mullin interviewed Brad Wall on his stance: