Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling for a nationwide infrastructure plan to protect Canada’s economy from future disruptions, emphasizing that it will take cooperation from all levels of government to make it happen.
Speaking at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Convention on Wednesday, Beck outlined a four-point plan aimed at expanding Canada’s trade networks and strengthening its economic resilience.
Among her proposals are increased rail and port capacity, a pipeline to the East Coast, strengthened power transmission, and the twinning of the TransCanada Highway from coast to coast.
“The projects I’m proposing will take all levels of government, cooperation across political party and provincial lines,” Beck said. “With federal and provincial budgets coming in just a few weeks, we must see movement — some of the initial building blocks — to set these future-focused infrastructure projects in motion.”
Beck’s comments come as Canada continues to grapple with the economic impact of a trade war with the United States, exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s renewed threats against Canada and the imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Calling the trade war a “wakeup call,” Beck stressed the need for Canada to secure independent trade routes, ensuring that Saskatchewan’s agricultural and mining exports, as well as Alberta’s oil and gas, can reach international markets without relying on the US.
“Saskatchewan, located in the heart of this country, should and can play a critical role in getting products built and delivered to market,” Beck said. “I know we can do this. We HAVE to do this. Our province, small as it is, has always been a leader. We get s–t done.”
Beck also criticized Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s response to the Trump tariffs, calling it weak and ineffective. She echoed the words of Saskatchewan hockey legend Gordie Howe, saying, “It’s time to get our elbows up,” and urged leaders to consider every available option, including retaliatory tariffs.
As part of her vision, Beck emphasized the need to upgrade rail lines, including short-line rail, to ensure Saskatchewan’s agricultural and mining exports can efficiently reach overseas markets. She also proposed the construction of a pipeline to the East Coast, which would allow Saskatchewan and Alberta oil and gas to reach European buyers while alleviating pressure on rail transport.
Additionally, Beck called for investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure, arguing that such projects would secure the province’s electricity supply and position Saskatchewan as a leader in energy production. Finally, she pushed for the twinning of Highway 1 from coast to coast, ensuring that goods can move efficiently within Canada without relying on US trade routes.
“These are not just ideas – these are necessary steps we must take to ensure our economy is never held hostage again,” Beck said.
With federal and provincial budgets on the horizon, Beck’s call for action has set the stage for a national conversation on Canada’s economic future. Whether her plan gains traction will depend on political will and cross-party cooperation.
