Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says offers from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to consider shipping oil through the Port of Churchill is not the Manitoba government's top priority.."I understand where the premier of Alberta is coming from," Stefanson told CBC.."She's facing an election and some tough things, tough challenges politically within her own province, and she wants to get some of these issues out of the way.".Smith wrote a letter to the premiers of Saskatchewan and Manitoba October 24 requesting a meeting to create new economic alliances between the Prairie provinces.."I'm aware expanding the Port of Churchill has long been considered a costly endeavor. But the economics appear to be changing and investors are increasingly looking for responsibility produced energy and agricultural products and are united on the need to limit the power and reach of despotic regimes, including Russia," Smith wrote in the letter.."The director of the Canadian Coast Guard is also optimistic in regards to servicing the port and the emerging viability of Arctic operations citing the Russian Yamal Peninsula project has been operating with great success and even expanding operations to meet global gas demands.".However, Stefanson says affordability issues are her main priorities, along with improving the health care system and addressing homelessness in Manitoba.."I will tell you, there are there are other, more pressing things for us to be dealing with right now, which is why we're here today to deal with the most vulnerable in our society," Stefanson said..Recently she stated Europe could be on the verge of a "very significant energy challenge."."I think we can be part of the solution, but let's have that discussion with the federal government and across the country as well, including with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan as well," Stefanson said..Stefanson added any discussions around shipping oil must consult with and benefit first nations communities..Smith said she believes in enhancing market access and it's critical for the provinces collective economic prosperity and well-being of its citizens.."It will make us more competitive increase our presence on the global stage and strengthen Canada's role in addressing food and energy shortages," Smith said.."It also ensures our businesses and citizens can purchase a range of goods at affordable prices. Especially during periods of surging inflation."
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says offers from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to consider shipping oil through the Port of Churchill is not the Manitoba government's top priority.."I understand where the premier of Alberta is coming from," Stefanson told CBC.."She's facing an election and some tough things, tough challenges politically within her own province, and she wants to get some of these issues out of the way.".Smith wrote a letter to the premiers of Saskatchewan and Manitoba October 24 requesting a meeting to create new economic alliances between the Prairie provinces.."I'm aware expanding the Port of Churchill has long been considered a costly endeavor. But the economics appear to be changing and investors are increasingly looking for responsibility produced energy and agricultural products and are united on the need to limit the power and reach of despotic regimes, including Russia," Smith wrote in the letter.."The director of the Canadian Coast Guard is also optimistic in regards to servicing the port and the emerging viability of Arctic operations citing the Russian Yamal Peninsula project has been operating with great success and even expanding operations to meet global gas demands.".However, Stefanson says affordability issues are her main priorities, along with improving the health care system and addressing homelessness in Manitoba.."I will tell you, there are there are other, more pressing things for us to be dealing with right now, which is why we're here today to deal with the most vulnerable in our society," Stefanson said..Recently she stated Europe could be on the verge of a "very significant energy challenge."."I think we can be part of the solution, but let's have that discussion with the federal government and across the country as well, including with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan as well," Stefanson said..Stefanson added any discussions around shipping oil must consult with and benefit first nations communities..Smith said she believes in enhancing market access and it's critical for the provinces collective economic prosperity and well-being of its citizens.."It will make us more competitive increase our presence on the global stage and strengthen Canada's role in addressing food and energy shortages," Smith said.."It also ensures our businesses and citizens can purchase a range of goods at affordable prices. Especially during periods of surging inflation."
