SASKATOON — Canada’s premiers want the federal government to seek an exemption from the United States for its Buy American measures. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe told reporters that trade was one matter being discussed Wednesday at the annual premiers’ conference. “We will be calling on our federal government to provide a stronger leadership role ... in asking for an exemption with respect to the Buy American policy that is damaging many of our industries here in Canada,” Moe said at a news conference in Saskatoon.

Jonathan Hayward/THE CANADIAN PRESS Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister speaks to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball in Saskatoon on July 10, 2019.

The Buy American measures require 65 per cent local content on public transportation projects in the U.S. and that assembly be done south of the border. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the recent announcement by Bombardier of layoffs at its Thunder Bay, Ont., plant are a direct result. “This Buy American policy down in the United States is absolutely killing us right now,” Ford said at the conference Wednesday. “We need the federal government to continue to negotiate with the U.S. government.”

Jonathan Hayward/THE CANADIAN PRESS British Columbia Premier John Horgan speaks with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney during a meeting of Canada's Premiers in Saskatoon on July 10, 2019.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Montreal-based Bombardier is an important company for both provinces. “They had an important contract in the U.S. that is ending and they have (a) rough time getting more contracts in the United States because of the Buy America Act,” Legault said. “That is why we all decided together that we need more leadership from the prime minister of Canada to negotiate an exemption.” Watch: Canada’s premiers talk knocking down trade barriers. Story continues below.