REGINA – News that the government of Canada and province of Alberta had signed a memorandum of understanding for an oil pipeline to the West Coast was welcomed by provincial leaders in Saskatchewan.
"It's positive in the space is it does provide now the first step and an opportunity to build a significant piece of transmission infrastructure that will provide not only wealth for Canadians and Canadian families but provide energy security for places like India and other Asian markets," said Premier Scott Moe.
"Second, it provides an opportunity to expand the production of some of the most sustainable energy resources that we have in Canada and that are available around the world.
"And third and I think most importantly, is there's been a marked change in the tone and the conversation between our federal government and subnational levels of government, provincial leaders. And so credit to Premier (Danielle) Smith, but also credit to Prime Minister (Mark) Carney as well. We know whether it be energy production, whether it be on research development, whether it be on a number of other topics where we can work together from the provincial to the national level, the tone of conversation in the collaboration of our efforts is better and stronger today than it's been in the last decade, and for that I think as a Canadian I'm very thankful."
Moe acknowledged this was a start of an agreement and there was much work to come. But it was "the start of an agreement and a conversation where we can actually now have some certainty, and work with our oil producing industry on expanding some of our production in Saskatchewan as well."
He again said the change in tone and willingness to collaborate on a path forward "whether it be the energy industry, the mining industry, all of the industries that are creating wealth … this is new, it's appreciated as a Canadian and I think we can for the current period be very proud as Canadians of what has happened here."
In speaking to reporters, Opposition Leader Carla Beck also welcomed the MOU for a potential roadmap for a pipeline to the West Coast.
"I think that's good news, a lot of details, a lot of timelines to be met in the meantime," said Beck.
"At the same time we've got some huge infrastructure needs in this province as well when it comes to, let's start with the Port of Vancouver — something that we hear when we're talking to producers, when we're talking to the potash industry, is vitally important when it comes to getting our world-class goods to market. We want to see some urgency on that project. … I heard the Premier earlier this week suggest that the last time he talked to someone in British Columbia about that was when John Horgan was Premier of B.C. Unfortunatel,y Mr. Horgan has been deceased for over a year. This is an issue that should be on the table. Right now, Saskatchewan's at the back of the pack when it comes to getting those infrastructure dollars, getting those goods to market, and I don't think that's good enough."
Beck also accused the government of having "shrugged their shoulders" when it comes to Nutrien announcing they would set up a port infrastructure in the USA.
"Why is that the best business case for Nutrien to be going to the US? These products that we are so proud of producing and mining here in this province should have port access through the Canadian coastline. We're not seeing that right now."
Beck added it was a "good day, a good announcement today. Let's get Saskatchewan on that list."
