Canadians have 'generational opportunity,' Sask. Premier Moe says after first ministers' meeting
Priorities included infrastructure projects, removing tariffs on agricultural products
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says Canadians have a "generational opportunity" to build the country into an energy superpower after Monday's first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon.
"We had a good meeting with discussions around how we can advance the opportunities for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, how we can work together to meet the aspirations and the statements of the prime minister, with respect to becoming the strongest economy in the G7 nations," Moe said Monday afternoon.
Moe's comments came following a day-long meeting in Saskatoon that brought together all of the provincial and territorial leaders, along with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
"This is a generational opportunity for us to achieve some of the aspirations the prime minister has put forward," Moe said.
Moe's comments were a change in tone from his combative relationship with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Last month, Moe called for a "reset" on the relationship between Ottawa and Saskatchewan and released a list of 10 changes he believes Ottawa "must make."
Many of Moe's top 10 concerns were addressed in a three-page statement released by the first ministers after the meeting.
The list included infrastructure projects to get commodities to international markets and pressuring China to remove tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, something all leaders agreed were top priorities.
The first ministers also agreed to pursue, "nation-building infrastructure and corridors," including pipelines, and clean and conventional energy, saying they are crucial to driving Canadian productivity.
"That means we are going to have to have discussions, not all of them easy, about advancing all of the energy products we have and all of the natural resources … in a sustainable way and in an inclusive way," Moe said.
First Nations leaders unhappy they weren't at the table
First Nations chiefs said their exclusion from the first ministers' meeting was disrespectful and unacceptable.
"Let's be clear, any conversation about internal trade, tariffs, pipeline, all major projects must include First Nations," said Dutch Lerat, second vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents Saskatchewan's First Nations.
"Our chiefs are very frustrated and deeply concerned."
Lerat's comments came during a lengthy FSIN news conference Monday morning, held as first ministers and Prime Minister Carney started their meeting.
One after another, chiefs from Manitoba and Saskatchewan took turns lambasting Ottawa and the provinces for not including them in the meeting.
"These are all critical matters that directly impact our inherent treaty rights and constitutional rights, including rights to our lands, waters, medicines and all living things," Lerat said.
"We are unseated. These tables are ours. Government and industry must realize this," Chief Erica Beaudin from Cowessess First Nation said.
In particular, chiefs expressed frustration they weren't included in the discussions expected to focus on fast-tracking approval for "nation-building" projects like pipelines.
Those kind of projects will go through treaty land and First Nations must be included in all discussions, Lerat said.
"It also raises serious concerns about how First Nations' rights are being protected when speed and certainty are prioritized. While First Nations want to be part of the economy, this cannot be done at the expense of our rights," Lerat said.
The post-meeting statement from the first ministers said provincial and federal governments would consult with Indigenous Peoples on infrastructure projects.
Moe optimistic about Carney's energy plans
Heading into the meeting, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he was encouraged by Carney's commitment to building Canada into a global energy super power, but said Ottawa needs to commit to regulatory and policy change for that to happen.
"How are we going to join as a provincial government with the federal government, and oftentimes municipalities, on publicly funded infrastructure that is going to provide the services that, at the end of the day, Canadians expect their governments to work together on?" Moe said.
Moe was questioned about the meeting's focus on energy production, given the wildfires raging out of control across the Prairies, something scientists say is a direct result of climate change.
"By developing Canadian products, we are doing right not only by our Canadian economy and Canadians, by creating jobs in our communities, but we certainly are doing right by the environment as well, in particular when it comes from a climate change perspective."
Moe said Saskatchewan has focused on reducing its carbon footprint on agriculture and energy products.
"Our potash produced in this province has half the carbon content on a per-tonne basis than the next largest producers, which are Russia and Belarus, and I would say there's maybe some ethical concerns with purchasing products from those countries as well."
Sask. Opposition NDP MLA Aleana Young said Canada needs to invest in rail lines, pipelines and power lines.
"This is a critical moment, critical moment of consensus, where we can focus on the future and get generational projects built now. At the same time, Prime Minister Carney has committed to a new approach and we're hopeful that there will be real and immediate action to get the job done."
Resetting the Sask.-Ottawa relationship
After a throne speech that was heavy on symbolism and touched on economics and sovereignty, one expert said it was important to get ministers working toward the same goal.
"When you're in a conflict with the United States, it helps to have kind of broad national unity, to have the backing of a wide range of different regions," said Daniel Westlake, an assistant professor of political studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
Moe spent this spring's eight-week legislative sitting dealing with the threat of tariffs and a late push on the topic of western separatism.
While the province did not build tariff contingencies into its budget, Moe has made it clear he believes the path forward is to create new economic opportunities within Canada or internationally.
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