With the relationship between the federal government and Western Canada being weakened after the federal election, a task force has been created allowing municipal voices to be heard by Ottawa.

Regina Mayor Michael Fougere is one of many on the Western Economic Solutions Taskforce (WEST) which will hopefully allow them to express concerns and ask questions to federal ministers including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

Fougere says the results of the election show this is needed when it comes to having a voice.

“We have lost the voice of many MP’s in Ottawa including Ralph Goodale.” Fougere said. “With that being the case who do I talk to and who does Saskatoon’s mayor talk to when it comes to issues related to federal jurisdiction.  It is good to have those conversations with ministers at the municipal level.

WEST was created by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities with the areas of focus being getting resources to market, energy development, supporting communities to diversify economies and municipal infrastructure.

A report on how successful the task force has been is to be presented later this year at the FCM’s annual convention.

Fougere feels the relationship has improved between Ottawa and Western Canada since the federal election, but the proof will come in the result and at this time, it is still a work in progress.