Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith convened their caucuses in Lloydminster on June 18.
The goal was to advocate for significant changes to federal rules governing natural resources.
The joint meeting, held at the Lloydminster Exhibition, saw both leaders criticize federal policies, which they say are blocking economic growth and private investment in Western Canada.
Read more: Moe seeks trade in UK, Germany
“Today was also an opportunity for us, I think, as caucuses from Saskatchewan and Alberta to discuss some of the differences in alignment as well,” said Moe.
“Ultimately, (it was) to have a better understanding of what is happening in both provinces, where our similarities are and where our opportunities to work together are.”
The joint call focused on several federal laws both provinces want scrapped, including Clean Electricity Regulations and the proposed emissions cap on oil and gas.
“Together, we call for an end to all federal interference in the development of provincial resources,” said Smith. “The federal government must remove the barriers it created and fix the federal project approval processes so private sector proponents have the confidence to invest.”
The premiers want the oil tanker ban on the northern West Coast lifted and are calling for new port-to-port export corridors.
Moe described this as “a generational strategic project” that would connect the Pacific and Hudson Bay coasts.
“That opportunity has to be for all products,” said Moe. “Whether it be hydroelectricity or expanding our rail access. It also has to provide access for the oil and gas industry.”
Moe also noted Saskatchewan has over 100 natural resource projects ready to go in need of federal support.
“In Saskatchewan, we don’t have one or two or three projects that are a priority,” he said. “We have literally in excess of 100 projects that are a priority for us to continue to be a wealth creator.”
Liquefied natural gas shipments from Kitimat, B.C., should begin this week, a topic reporters touched on under the Liberals.
Smith said the fact two major pipelines were built under the Liberals “should not be seen as a success.”
“If we have to build another pipeline with federal taxpayer dollars, that would be a failure of the process,” said Smith. “The federal government simply cannot put so many barriers in the way; all private sector proponents are scared out of the realm.”
She pointed to cancelled projects like Energy East and Keystone XL, noting they could have added 2.5 million barrels per day of export capacity.
“That’s $55 billion worth of revenue year-after-year-after-year, 40 per cent of which goes to provincial and federal governments,” she said.
Moe also responded, saying the issue goes far beyond pipelines.
“Policies are much larger than any single pipeline that might have to be built,” he said. “If we are going to achieve those aspirations of becoming the strongest economy in the G7, becoming a global energy superpower, we’re going to only do that by creating policies that are going to unleash the opportunity for investment.”
The premiers say access to tidewater via new corridors is crucial to moving energy and agricultural goods to global markets. They also see it as a way to move anything of value from coast to coast.
“Accessing world prices for our resources will benefit all Canadians, including our First Nations partners,” said Smith.
The joint meeting concluded with both premiers expressing their gratitude to each other. Moe called the day “a great event,” and thanked Smith “for bringing the entirety of your caucus one block into Saskatchewan here in Lloydminster, our shared border city.”
Read more: Premier Smith visits Border City
