SASKATOON — The federal government says it is focused on diversifying Canada’s economy and improving its relationship with Western provinces such as Alberta as global uncertainty continues to affect markets and trade.
Rechie Valdez, a cabinet minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, said Ottawa remains committed to an economic strategy aimed at reducing Canada’s dependence on a single trading partner.
Speaking during a stop in Saskatoon Tuesday, Valdez said part of the government’s economic plan is to open new international opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
“Our government is ensuring that one of the hard focuses is creating an economy where we’re moving our reliance from one single partner and diversifying our relations with other countries,” Valdez said.
Valdez recently returned from a trip to the Philippines, where she met with government counterparts to discuss economic co-operation and small business development.
“Creating relationships and securing them by the end of the year will help diversify markets for small and medium-sized enterprises,” she said.
“Strengthening those people ties is a very exciting opportunity for Canadians here across Saskatchewan and across Canada. Creating cultural and economic ties that can support trade and tourism growth.”
Canada is home to about one million Filipinos. Ontario has the country’s largest Filipino population, with more than 350,000 people, while Saskatchewan has nearly 44,000.
Valdez said discussions during the trip included support for women entrepreneurs and the creation of formal agreements designed to improve economic collaboration between the two countries.
She added the federal government’s recent efforts to establish new international economic relationships since taking office have already secured 20 economic partnerships with four countries.
Valdez said the agreements are part of a broader push to expand trade and strengthen global co-operation, potentially creating export and import opportunities for entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan and Canada.
Reaching across the aisle
Valdez said the federal government also plans to improve relations with provinces amid ongoing political tensions, economic debates and growing separatist sentiment in Alberta.
She emphasized the federal government is committed to working collaboratively with all provinces and territories, including Alberta, on shared economic priorities such as market diversification, energy development and support for small businesses.
“Our government and prime minister are working with all provinces and territories, and specifically with Alberta. We have the same goals, whether that’s diversifying our markets, supporting small businesses, creating a great economy,” Valdez said.
She also referenced recent federal-provincial co-operation related to energy and climate initiatives, saying the government aims to position Canada as an “energy superpower” while continuing to pursue national climate goals in partnership with Indigenous communities and provincial governments. Carney was in Alberta on May 15 to sign a pipeline deal with Premier Danielle Smith.
“We’re going to make sure we reach our climate goals by ensuring we create Canada as an energy superpower, working with Indigenous partners. These are just some of the ways that we’re working with provinces and territories to create a stronger Canada,” she said.
