‘Hit the reset button’: Moe invites PM Carney to Sask., hopes to work with re-elected Liberal government

WATCH: Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has invited PM Carney to visit the province and discuss the provincial/federal relationship going forward.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has extended an olive branch to newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, inviting the leader to the province to chart a new path forward.

“Today is an offer, not an ultimatum,” he said.

“I would say that this is an opportunity for each and all of us to hit the reset button, if you will, on the federal government’s relationship with the province and the people of Saskatchewan – and I hope that this offer is taken.”

Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning, Moe stressed the need for provincial consultation going forward.

“Let’s just stop with the unconsulted policies, of which we’ve seen far too many over the course of the last decade or so,” he said.

“A consultation in those spaces, but many others as well – and what does Saskatchewan bring to the table? A continued willingness to work with the federal government.”

Specifically, Moe referenced Bill C-69, a piece of legislation that deals with the process of assessing the environmental, social, and economic impact of projects – ensuring they are sustainable while preventing potential “adverse effects.”

Moe says his government has ideas on how to alter the legislation while still respecting environmental impact assessments and duty to consent processes with First Nations.

“We have some ideas on how we can alter it … ensuring that investment can actually flow into places like a new uranium mine, which would employ many northern and Indigenous residents and provide clean fuel to the world.”

Referencing Carney’s victory speech Monday night, Moe said he agreed with the prime minister’s remarks around unity and negotiating with the United States from a position of strength.

“I couldn’t agree more with that statement,” he said. “He’s also said that he wants to make Canada into a global leading energy superpower. And that’s great to hear, but those are nothing but words. And I would say, and I’ve said it many times, that policies truly do matter – particularly in this space.”

Monday’s federal election saw the Liberals increase their overall seats but maintain a minority government.

Both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh lost their seats to Liberal candidates. Poilievre had had held the Ottawa riding of Carleton since 2004 while Singh’s riding was affected by redistribution. He was first elected to his seat in 2019.

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In the weeks leading up to the election, Moe endorsed Poilievre and the Conservatives.

On social media Tuesday morning, Moe congratulated Carney on his victory.

He also said Saskatchewan voters sent a strong message by voting for change, adding he will have more to say later in the day Tuesday.

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck also took to social media to congratulate Carney early Tuesday morning, before outlining her priorities for the federal government later in the day while speaking to reporters.

Beck said it is now up to Ottawa to take action and not just make promises.

“There’s an opportunity for the federal parties to make things right and to help build a bright future for our country and for our province and that has to start today,” Beck said.

She said immediate action is needed regarding infrastructure and said that includes rail lines, pipelines, power lines and highways, “to get Saskatchewan to global markets.”

She also called for swift action to remove Chinese tariffs on canola exports to support Saskatchewan farmers and rural communities and for a fair deal on equalization payments that reflects the province’s contributions and challenges.

Beck then called for a new commitment to the national childcare program, which offers $10 per day daycare. Saskatchewan has yet to sign an extension with Ottawa on the current program despite the province stating it’s confident that will happen before the current deal expires in March 2026.

“We expect to see action on real priorities that matter most to Saskatchewan people,” Beck said.

Beck added that every province deserves to be heard and respected and have a partner in the federal government, including Saskatchewan.

“That cooperation and hard work is the only way that we are going to get things done. It’s time for us all to come together and focus on the future, Saskatchewan’s future and Canada’s future.”