PM Mark Carney meets premiers in Saskatoon, aiming to fast-track major projects and overhaul Canada’s regulatory system for economic growth.
New Prime Minister Sets Bold Agenda in Saskatoon
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers in Saskatoon on Monday, prioritizing the fast-tracking of large-scale “nation-building” projects. This marks the first official gathering of first ministers since Carney’s Liberal government was elected on April 28. In a televised interview prior to the meeting, Carney emphasized that major infrastructure and economic development initiatives would take center stage, with a goal to unify the country and expand international trade.
Why Project Development Is a Federal Priority
Carney’s push for ambitious national projects reflects his broader economic vision: to diversify Canada’s economy, accelerate infrastructure growth, and break down internal barriers to trade. His government is preparing to introduce legislation this month that will streamline project approvals — cutting regulatory timelines from five years to two. A newly proposed federal project review office will play a central role in this effort. As outlined in last week’s throne speech by King Charles, the goal is to “unleash a new era of growth” by reducing bureaucratic roadblocks.
Premiers Present Competing Visions for Growth
Premiers from across the country arrived in Saskatoon armed with their own proposals. Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe emphasized regulatory certainty for value-driven industries, while the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are advocating for a long-delayed road through the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province. Manitoba’s Wab Kinew called for an economic corridor through the Port of Churchill, saying unity will come through shared infrastructure goals. Ontario’s Doug Ford and Alberta’s Danielle Smith echoed the need for streamlined regulations and federal respect for regional priorities.
Western Leaders Demand Concrete Commitments
Western premiers are pressing for tangible action. Moe warned that a “generational opportunity” is at stake if red tape continues to stall development. Smith pushed for the inclusion of oil pipelines and called on Ottawa to abandon the federal carbon tax and emissions cap. She also proposed creating a joint negotiating team with British Columbia. Ford, who signed a bilateral trade agreement with Moe on Sunday, warned against economic threats from U.S. tariffs and urged more interprovincial cooperation to strengthen Canada’s internal market.
A Competitive Process to Choose National Projects
Carney has made clear that only the most viable and impactful projects will receive federal backing. “We’re going to have a competition with projects,” he told CBC. “Some projects are good ideas, but they’re not ready. Others are ready, but they’re bad ideas.” This merit-based model is intended to prioritize readiness, feasibility, and national benefit — a sharp pivot from past infrastructure programs often mired in political negotiation.
Internal Trade and U.S. Pressure Add Urgency
As the premiers gathered, Ford and Moe signed an agreement to remove trade barriers between Ontario and Saskatchewan, presenting it as a shield against renewed U.S. tariffs. Carney also pledged to eliminate federal barriers to internal trade by Canada Day, continuing a dialogue that began in March. With Donald Trump vowing new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, leaders framed these domestic agreements as critical to safeguarding Canada’s economic sovereignty.
Outlook: Toward Unity Through Development
While political differences remain, Carney’s message struck a chord: Canada needs to build. With provinces ready to pitch transformative ideas and a federal government poised to act, the Saskatoon summit may mark the beginning of a new national development strategy — one aimed at infrastructure, integration, and international reach.
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