Sask. leaders respond to Ottawa’s energy agreement with Alberta

Premier Scott Moe welcomes Alberta-federal pipeline agreement, which could affect how Saskatchewan oil is exported. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Political leaders in Saskatchewan are sharing their thoughts on Ottawa’s energy agreement with Alberta, which will lay the groundwork for a new oil pipeline to Canada’s west coast.

While Premier Scott Moe was pleased with the announcement and the potential it has for Saskatchewan’s economic growth, NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling for more to be done for the province’s infrastructure projects.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Moe said the pipeline would positively impact economic growth for Canadians and provide energy security for places like India.

“It provides an opportunity to expand the production of some of the most sustainable energy resources that we have in Canada and that are available around the world,” he said.

“Most importantly, there’s been a market change in the tone of the conversation between our federal government and the sub-national levels of government, provincial leaders, so credit to Premier Smith but also credit to Prime Minister Carney,” he added.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to commit to several measures meant to strengthen cooperation on major infrastructure projects, increase energy production, and improve Canada’s economic sustainability and export potential.

“The collaboration of our efforts is better and stronger today than it has been in the last decade, and for that, as a Canadian, I am very thankful,” Moe told reporters, noting that the conversation lends itself into other provinces and continued negotiations.

“We are a significant oil producing province as well. There’s a number of pieces in this memorandum of understanding that are going to impact how and where our energy goes in Saskatchewan, as we are very much intricately linked with the egress capacity that would be available.”

Although there is plenty of work to come and there is currently no private sector proposal to build the pipeline, Moe stated that the agreement is something Canadians can be proud of.

“A conversation where we can actually now have some certainty and work with our oil producing industry on expanding some of our production in Saskatchewan as well, [is] very necessary in order for us to attract the investment into this industry and other industries,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Beck said while the MOU between Ottawa and Alberta is good news, projects in Saskatchewan need to be prioritized.

“I think that’s good news, a lot of details, a lot of timelines to be met in the meantime. At the same time, we’ve got some huge infrastructure needs in this province as well,” she said, pointing to issues expanding access for products through the Port of Vancouver.

“Vitally important when it comes to getting our world-class goods to market. We want to see some urgency on that project, something we haven’t seen.”

Beck said more infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan should be on the table right now but claimed the province is at the back of the pack when it comes to getting those dollars and goods to the market.

“I don’t think that’s good enough,” she said. “These products that we are so proud of producing and mining here in this province should have port access through the Canadian coastline. We’re not seeing that right now.”

Beck reiterated that the provincial government should be focusing on the opportunities and needs that are in Saskatchewan, including developing roads and health care supports in the province’s north.

“We don’t even see a plan from this government to deal with the current needs, let alone to look at the future needs,” she said. “It’s a pretty happy day for the premier of Alberta. I want to see Saskatchewan on the list. I want to see announcements about infrastructure in this province.

“This is about looking to the future, ensuring we’ve got good jobs. We’re leaning into that opportunity … let’s get Saskatchewan on that list.”

As part of the terms for Ottawa to help fast-track an Alberta pipeline through the federal major projects process, Alberta must sign onto an industrial carbon pricing agreement that would implement an industrial carbon price of $130 per tonne to lower methane emissions by 75 per cent over the next 10 years.

The federal Liberals, in return, agreed to suspend the clean energy regulations in the province and to not implement the oil and gas emissions cap.

-With files from Rachel Aiello and Wayne Mantyka