“This is a critical moment of consensus where we can focus on the future and get generational projects built,” said Aleana Young, Shadow Minister for Jobs and Economy. “Our future depends on greater access to overseas markets in Asia, Europe, Mexico, and South America. We can no longer depend rely on the U.S. as a reliable trading partner.
“This is our opportunity.”
Young says both levels of government need to support investments in the following:
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Expanding rail and port capacity and ensuring rapid reliable movement of agricultural and mining products,
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Building a pipeline to the East Coast to carry western oil and gas to new markets in Europe,
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Expanding and improving electrical transmission lines in order to sell Saskatchewan generated power to the rest of Canada and other markets
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Twinning Highway 1 from coast to coast so that truckers can quickly and safely move goods across Canada without needing to enter the United States.
The Saskatchewan NDP has also called for Saskatchewan steel to be prioritized for all economic projects and has repeatedly demanded the Sask. Party Government take action to end contracts with American companies and replace them with Canadian-based companies.
Trump has said he plans to double the tariff on steel from 25 per cent to 50 per cent later this week.
“Steelworkers know firsthand that depending too much on the United States makes us vulnerable to tariffs, trade disputes and job losses,” Young said.
“Scott Moe and the Sask. Party cannot bury their heads in the sand and pretend this is business as usual with their buddy Donald Trump and those in the party base who want us to become the 51st state.
“Let’s be clear — our best path forward is to build a strong economy for Saskatchewan within a united Canada.
“The Prime Minister has committed to a new approach, and we are optimistic that there will be real and immediate action to get the job done,” Young added.
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