In an in-depth interview, MLA Warren Kaeding, who serves as both Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development and the Minister Responsible for Innovation, opened up about the province’s evolving role on the global stage, tensions in international trade, and the importance of staying rooted in local community affairs.
Navigating Complex Trade Relationships
Kaeding emphasized the importance of Saskatchewan’s trade relationships with global powerhouses like the United States and China, describing both as “significant trade partners” while acknowledging the ongoing challenges.
“Our relationship with the U.S. is strong, just over 56% of our total exportable trade goes there, but we know there are issues to work through,” said Kaeding. “We’re a deeply integrated North American market, and we’re continually engaging with U.S. leadership, trade associations, and stakeholders to manage tariffs and protect Saskatchewan producers.”
Saskatchewan has been especially active in this regard, with Premier Scott Moe leading multiple missions to Washington, D.C., including one with all 13 Canadian premiers and another focused exclusively on Saskatchewan interests.
Speaking about China, Kaeding noted that despite tensions and tariffs, particularly affecting canola, peas, and pork, the province is doing everything it can to advocate for Saskatchewan’s agricultural sectors. “We’ve engaged with our ag processors and reached out to Chinese government officials. But the consistent message is that this needs to happen at the federal level,” he said. “That doesn’t stop us from pushing. We’ve always supported our farmers through droughts, hailstorms, and now tariffs.”
Kaeding also stressed the risk that current tariffs pose to Saskatchewan’s canola crushing industry, especially on the meal side, where market alternatives are limited. “If we lose China, we lose a market that’s hard to replace. The concern is that without competition, we become price takers,” he said.
Growing Innovation and International Reach
Beyond traditional commodities, Kaeding spotlighted emerging sectors in Saskatchewan, including tech, health research, and critical minerals like helium, hydrogen, and lithium. He pointed to Saskatchewan’s unexpected but growing role in global innovation.
“We always say Saskatchewan has food, fuel, and fertilizer. Now, we’re also gaining global interest in our health and tech sectors,” he said. “People are often surprised at the number of tech startups that quietly began here.”
Kaeding also mentioned opportunities in infrastructure and logistics, citing growing interest in the Port of Churchill and the need for new trade corridors.
“The last serious investment in railways and port capacity was years ago,” Kaeding explained. “We need a national corridor strategy, faster approvals, and better labour harmony. That’s something we’re pushing hard for federally.”
Interprovincial Trade: The Forgotten Frontier
One of the lesser-discussed areas of focus for Kaeding is interprovincial trade, where he believes significant economic value remains untapped.
“We’ve probably been sold short on the money left on the table due to interprovincial trade barriers,” he said. “Saskatchewan has among the fewest exceptions to free trade rules within Canada. We’re not first, but we’re close.”
The province is pushing for further removal of federal-level exceptions and broader recognition of trade certifications and skilled labour between provinces.
Reaction to Federal Election and National Policy
Asked about Saskatchewan’s reaction to the previous federal election, which resulted in another Liberal government, Kaeding didn’t shy away from expressing concern.
“Our province overwhelmingly voted Conservative. That sends a clear message: we’re not satisfied with how we’ve been treated by Ottawa,” he said. “Premier Moe has reached out already. We’re willing to cooperate, but we need serious federal engagement and respect for provincial jurisdiction.”
Kaeding was also critical of past federal decisions, such as the imposition of the carbon tax without provincial input, and raised concerns over the daycare agreement, which he said felt forced upon provinces with little flexibility.
Still, he remains hopeful. “We’re ready to work together, but that window is narrow. The ball is in the federal government’s court.”
Staying Connected at Home
Despite a packed schedule advocating on the global stage, Kaeding remains deeply engaged in his home constituency of Melville-Saltcoats.
“I do try to stay connected. Tim Ziola is an amazing constituency assistant who attends events when I can’t and keeps the office running smoothly.”
Kaeding recently attended local events ranging from gymnastics and football to library fundraisers and community fairs. “That’s where you learn what’s really working and what’s not. Local events keep you grounded.”
Preparing the Next Generation
When asked what excites him most about his role, Kaeding lit up talking about youth.
“Talking to students is the best part of my job. The dream job they’re aiming for might not even exist yet, but it will by the time they’re ready,” he said. “We’re going to need 120,000 new workers in Saskatchewan by 2035. That means big opportunities.”
He praised companies like Mosaic, Nutrien, BHP, and CN for engaging directly with students and showcasing the wide range of career paths available. “These events are critical. Young people need to see that these industries offer more than just manual labour, they offer careers, innovation, and community.”
Looking Ahead
Kaeding ended the conversation on a hopeful note. “We’ve got challenges, tariffs, federal relations, trade infrastructure, but Saskatchewan has always been resilient. We’re well-positioned to lead, not just in Canada, but globally.”
Whether discussing global exports, local sports nights, or student career fairs, Kaeding’s message was consistent: Saskatchewan has a story to tell and he’s determined to make sure the world listens.