SASKATOON — Premier Scott Moe sees Saskatchewan’s growing mining industry, particularly the critical minerals sector, as benefiting the entire country by strengthening Canada’s position in global trade amid ongoing tensions and a souring relationship with the United States.
Moe said projects such as Saskatchewan’s expanding mineral mining industry — especially the Thor Project aluminum development in east-central Saskatchewan — give Canada leverage by positioning the country as a reliable supplier of ethically produced, sustainable resources needed by the U.S. and other allies for energy security, defence and advanced manufacturing.
He said Saskatchewan can help Canada reduce risk, reinforce alliances and play a strategic role in meeting future global resource demands by expanding jobs, diversifying exports and building international partnerships beyond a single market. Moe added, however, that Canadian officials should continue to take a calm, long-term approach to the economic threats posed by President Donald Trump, noting that the U.S., despite tariff threats that have contributed to global trade instability, remains Canada’s largest, closest and most important trading partner.
“I think what we see here in this project is much larger than even our relationship with the U.S. This project accounts for one-third of the global reserves. That is much more significant than any one country, and I think it really speaks to the significance and opportunity of it being located in, first of all, our province, Saskatchewan,” said Moe during the Thor Project announcement Friday, Jan. 30, at the University of Saskatchewan.
“Second of all, our nation, Canada, is a nation that can, as we discuss, sign trade agreements and create trade relationships with many, many countries around the world. Case in point, our province, Saskatchewan, exports to over 161 countries around the world. There are roughly about 190 [countries] in the world, so we're very globally connected from this province and from this nation out.”
He added that, like any country, Canada is well positioned to develop trade avenues for critical minerals, which could help make the Thor Project successful given its broader implications for defence and energy industries. Moe also pointed to China as an example of a country where trade relations with Canada have recently improved.
“We discussed the restoration of trade relations with China largely from an agricultural perspective, but also from a seafood perspective as well. I'd say there are opportunities to build on that trade relationship, but it's different from, maybe, our broader trade relationship with the United States. But I would say there are significant opportunities in energy, particularly oil and gas,” said Moe.
Moe said Saskatchewan is becoming one of the world’s top destinations for mining investment, citing the province’s reputation for responsible resource development as a key advantage. He said projects like the Thor Project are not only locally or provincially significant, but also have national and global implications as countries seek reliable supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Saskatchewan’s expanding resource portfolio — beyond uranium and potash — includes lithium, helium, copper and alumina, all of which are critical to energy, advanced manufacturing and clean technology. Moe said this positions the province as a significant player in the global supply chain, allowing it to play a major role in the next phase of international trade by leveraging its resource strength, skilled workforce and investment-friendly environment to support jobs, build partnerships and help Canada meet future global resource needs in an uncertain world.
