Trade-enabling infrastructure critical to secure economic future of Saskatchewan, all of Canada: Beck
Today, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck called on provincial and federal governments to support massive new investments to get Saskatchewan’s world-class exports to new markets and make our economy less vulnerable to potential U.S. tariffs.
“These last few months should be a wakeup call for all of us,” said Beck “Our future depends on making sure that Saskatchewan is less reliant on the United States and that we have greater access to overseas markets in Asia, Europe, Mexico, and South America. To do that, we need both levels of government to support investments in rail lines, pipelines, and power lines so we can get our exports to new markets.”
Beck noted that the choices of federal and provincial governments have left Saskatchewan more reliant on the United States and with fewer options to ship goods overseas. She called for urgent actions in upcoming federal and provincial budgets to prioritize investments in multiple types of trade enabling infrastructure:
“We need serious investment in trade-enabling infrastructure to secure good jobs and a strong future for workers in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” said Mike Day, United Steelworkers Local 5890 president.
“Steelworkers know firsthand that when our economy depends too much on the United States, we’re vulnerable to tariffs, trade disputes and job losses. Expanding rail, pipelines and power transmission isn’t just about exports, it’s about ensuring long-term stability for working families.”
“If we want to keep the lights on, secure our country, and grow investment, we need to have a serious conversation about electricity,” said Aleana Young, Shadow Minister for Jobs & Economy, SaskPower. “Investing in transmission infrastructure in Saskatchewan has major economic benefits and will keep power rates stable for our neighbours and provide energy security for Canada. In the past, the federal government paid to build power plants in other provinces. Now, we need to connect Canada.”
“We need to focus on diversifying our markets – and that starts with building a pipeline to Canada’s East Coast,” said Sally Housser, Shadow Minister for Energy & Resources. “That’s something we can control as Canadians. We need to think about the tariff threat right in front of us while also thinking about the future of the energy industry and our energy security.”
“With federal and provincial budgets coming in just a few weeks, we must see meaningful investment in trade-enabling infrastructure,” Beck said. “We can never again be in such a position of weakness when it comes to the Americans and our economy. We need to take matters into our own hands and start building now to secure Saskatchewan’s future.”
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THE BATTLEFORDS – While attending a Chamber presentation in The Battlefords, Shadow Seniors Minister Keith Jorgenson slammed Sask. Party Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill for cutting healthcare in his home riding.
NO PLAN TO DEFEND AGAINST TARIFFS OR BUILD ECONOMY, CUTS TO HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION
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