Saskatchewan business leaders and provincial government officials headed to Ottawa this week to push for stronger trade opportunities, infrastructure investment and more predictable federal regulations.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce led a delegation to the nation’s capital from Oct. 19 to 21, with meetings planned with federal ministers, Members of Parliament and senior government officials.
The delegation included Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding, senior provincial officials and executives representing agriculture, energy, mining, transportation and manufacturing.
The visit was aimed at ensuring Saskatchewan businesses have a voice in federal decisions affecting major projects, international trade and Canada’s economic future.
Five priorities brought to Ottawa
The Chamber identified five priorities it wanted federal decision-makers to address, including creating a more competitive investment environment and reducing uncertainty for businesses considering major projects.
The delegation also called for faster project assessments and permitting processes, improved access to Canadian and international markets, stronger transportation infrastructure and supply chains, and increased opportunities for Saskatchewan companies to participate in federal defence procurement.
Chamber CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said decisions being made in Ottawa could have significant consequences for Saskatchewan businesses.
“Ottawa is making important decisions about infrastructure, defence procurement, project approvals, and Canada’s trade strategy, and Saskatchewan businesses need to be part of those decisions,” Ramaswamy said.
She said Saskatchewan companies are prepared to invest in food production, energy, critical minerals, manufacturing and defence, but require greater certainty to move projects forward.
Related Stories:
Agriculture and exports central to discussions
For agricultural communities across West Central Saskatchewan, the delegation’s emphasis on market access and transportation infrastructure is particularly relevant.
Farmers, grain handlers and agricultural businesses depend on reliable transportation networks and international trade relationships to move Saskatchewan products to customers.
The Chamber said stronger transportation corridors and more resilient supply chains would help the province’s export industries contribute to Canada’s broader economic objectives.
The delegation also sought greater regulatory predictability, arguing that federal policies surrounding major-project approvals and investment can influence whether proposed developments proceed.
Saskatchewan’s food and energy industries were presented as important contributors to Canada’s economic resilience and efforts to diversify international trade.
Province seeks stronger federal partnerships
Kaeding said Saskatchewan’s reputation as a reliable supplier of food and energy provides opportunities to attract investment and strengthen partnerships.
“Saskatchewan has built a reputation for being essential for global food and energy security, and a source of stability that our partners can rely on,” Kaeding said.
He added that collaboration between government and business could help diversify trade, strengthen transportation networks and create opportunities for Saskatchewan companies to contribute to national economic and defence priorities.
The Chamber said the delegation intended to bring practical proposals to federal officials rather than simply identify challenges facing Saskatchewan industries.
Discussions were also expected to explore how the province’s manufacturing and resource sectors could participate in Canada’s growing defence industrial base.
The Chamber’s Oct. 19 announcement did not identify specific funding commitments or agreements resulting from the meetings.
The delegation’s broader objective was to strengthen co-operation between Saskatchewan businesses and the federal government while positioning the province for future investment and trade opportunities.