By Cam Lee

NDP concerned about recent American acquisitions in Saskatchewan

Aug 6, 2025 | 1:28 PM

The provincial opposition is expressing concern that an American company has purchased rail and agriculture infrastructure here in the light of the ongoing trade war with the US.

The NDP said Bartlett Grain has recently become the owner of a grain elevator near Melfort.

They also acquired Ceres Global Ag Corp, a logistics hub in the province’s southwest.

Ceres owns over 40 per cent of Steel Reef, which signed a deal to sell power to SaskPower last year.

The NDP said Ceres promised then cancelled a $350 million canola crush plant.

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Meanwhile, the NDP said Bartlett Grain is also a donor to the governing Republican Party, which has instituted tariffs against Canada.

Saskatchewan faces a 35 per cent tariff on goods and products, in addition to a 50 per cent tariff on steel and a 34 per cent tariff on lumber.

The opposition explained the province needs less foreign ownership, especially from companies based in the US while Donald Trump remains president.

They are calling for the Sask. Party to pursue and promote Saskatchewan and Canadian ownership of the province’s agriculture assets.

The NDP also maintained that the provincial economy has been affected by the trade war with the US, with Saskatchewan agricultural exports to the United States down 16.5 per cent, energy exports falling by 13.4 per cent and forestry product exports dropping nearly 24 per cent year-to-date.

Shadow Minister Alaina Young said it’s clear that the Sask. Party would rather encourage business with foreign companies and Donald Trump’s donors than Canadian companies investing in Canada.

“We can build a bright future for the Saskatchewan economy by leaning on the work ethic, innovation and spirit of the people living and operating right here in our incredible province,” Young said. “We can focus on a future where Saskatchewan jobs and Saskatchewan businesses come first.”