Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is facing intense opposition backlash following a taxpayer-funded trip to Washington, D. C.
, to attend the funeral of late U. S.
Sen. Lindsey Graham while engaging in trade discussions with American officials.
The provincial government announced the visit after Graham's family invited Moe to the service, where he joined federal Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Official Opposition NDP members demanded full disclosure and reimbursement of public funds used for the travel.
NDP Criticizes Use of Public Funds
NDP Trade and Export Development critic Kim Breckner criticized the premier's travel decisions and timing amid tariff tensions and local labor concerns.
"People have questions now. It’s about what their money is being used for," said Kim Breckner, NDP Trade Critic.
Breckner questioned the propriety of honoring Graham given his alignment with U. S.
President Donald Trump's economic agenda.
"We are concerned about public funds being used to do this," said Kim Breckner, NDP Trade Critic.
"I don’t believe that Saskatchewan’s presence as a dignitary is required for somebody who took this position against Canada."
She emphasized that personal relationships should not be subsidized by taxpayers.
"If Premier Moe and Senator Graham did have a personal relationship, then by all means Premier Moe should attend on his own dime," said Kim Breckner, NDP Trade Critic.
Breckner also cited broader policy disagreements over Graham's stance on Canadian sovereignty and trade impacts.
"We believe that it's not appropriate for the premier of Saskatchewan to be openly supporting somebody who was instrumental in creating such devastating impacts on our economy," said Kim Breckner, NDP Trade Critic.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck similarly condemned the trip while pointing to recent economic threats facing the province.
"Mr. Graham was one of Donald Trump’s closest allies and endorsed his strategy to dismantle the Canadian economy," wrote Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader.
Beck argued that provincial leadership should focus on regional job security rather than attending foreign memorial services.
"Just last week, Trump announced more tariffs that will kill more jobs in Saskatchewan," wrote Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader.
She urged provincial leaders to present a united national front against American trade pressures.
"We must show strength. We must stand as Team Canada," wrote Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader.
Political Analyst Weighs In
Political analyst Charles Smith from the University of Saskatchewan noted that both sides hold valid perspectives, though the timing invites scrutiny.
"On the one hand, you can see there's this, there's a bit of a relationship.
On the other hand, it seems the timing is open for criticism, and I think we're seeing that now," said Charles Smith, Professor of Political Studies.
Smith added that the trip highlights ideological divisions within Canadian conservatism regarding U. S.
relations.
"I think it lends itself to the criticism that certain conservatives, especially in [Western Canada], seem to be much more closely aligned with their ideological connections to a certain brand of conservatism and in alliance with certain Republicans in the United States, than with broader national issues affecting Canada," said Charles Smith, Professor of Political Studies.
During the funeral service, commentator Sean Hannity reflected on the late senator's close relationship with President Trump.
"Lindsey, Mr. President, I would argue in my mind, probably has a heavenly version of Mar-a-Lago. It may even be a little bigger.
He may have a little more gold in the Oval Office in his mansion in heaven, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he added one big, beautiful ballroom and an arch somewhere on the property because he would want to obviously duplicate his dearest friend in life, you, Mr. President," said Sean Hannity, Media Host.
Defending the trip as official provincial business, Moe's office confirmed he held meetings with U. S.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and U. S.
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Moe also conferred with Canadian Ambassador Mark Wiseman, chief trade negotiator Janice Charette, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before returning home.
Government officials stated travel expenses will be publicly disclosed through standard ministerial reporting.
