We all know that potash production is one of the key elements of Saskatchewan’s economy, comprising the lion’s share of one of the ‘F’s’ in our slogan Food, Fuel and Fertilizer. So, while we know potash is big to Saskatchewan, we don’t often talk about how big it is for Canada.
Statistics Canada has just answered that question for us with a report that examines what they call Canada’s critical minerals. And, on this one, potash sits atop the pile not only here but for all of the country. Of all the critical minerals, none contributes more to the national economy than potash.
Right behind potash is aluminum. Both generate more than $4 billion a year to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, but that is where the similarities end. Aluminum, for example, is clearly in the crosshairs of Donald Trump’s tariffs. Potash is not.
More people are employed in the production and refining of aluminum than any other segment of the critical mineral industry, accounting for more than a quarter of the 58,000 jobs in the overall sector.
— For more than 50 years, Paul Martin has specialized in coverage of the business and political scenes. His career has spanned radio, television and print and electronic media.
