Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling on provincial and federal governments to back a massive expansion of pipelines, rail lines, and power lines in an effort to lessen Saskatchewan’s dependence on the United States as President Donald Trump continues to threaten Canada with trade tariffs.
Beck says Saskatchewan must secure new markets overseas to ensure economic stability for workers and industries alike.
“These last few months should be a wake-up call for all of us,” said Beck.
“Our future depends on making sure that Saskatchewan is less reliant on the United States and that we have greater access to overseas markets in Asia, Europe, Mexico, and South America. To do that, we need both levels of government to support investments in rail lines, pipelines, and power lines so we can get our exports to new markets.”
At the top of Beck’s list is urgent investment in “trade-enabling infrastructure,” including the improvement of short-line rail to add to port capacity.
Beck said this will help move key exports like agriculture and mining products more efficiently onto ships bound for global destinations.
Beck also called for a pipeline to the East Coast, a project she said will carry Western Canadian oil and gas to European buyers while freeing up more rail space for Saskatchewan’s other exports.
Electrical transmission lines are another area of concern.
Beck wants to see expanded connections with Alberta and Manitoba as that increased domestic capacity will help avoid reliance on less predictable US sources.
“We need both levels of government to support investments in rail lines, pipelines, and power lines so we can get our exports to new markets,” said Beck.
A final piece of the proposal is to twin the Trans-Canada Highway from coast to coast, ensuring truckers can swiftly move goods throughout the country without crossing the U.S. border.
Labour leaders agree including Mike Day, President of United Steelworkers Local 5890.
“We need serious investment in trade-enabling infrastructure to secure good jobs and a strong future for workers in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” said Day.
“Steelworkers know firsthand that when our economy depends too much on the United States, we’re vulnerable to tariffs, trade disputes, and job losses. Expanding rail, pipelines, and power transmission isn’t just about exports, it’s about ensuring long-term stability for working families.”
Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Jobs and Economy Aleana Young added that boosting transmission infrastructure could keep power rates stable and increase energy security for Canada.
“If we want to keep the lights on, secure our country, and grow investment, we need to have a serious conversation about electricity,” said Young.
“Investing in transmission infrastructure in Saskatchewan has major economic benefits and will keep power rates stable for our neighbours and provide energy security for Canada. In the past, the federal government paid to build power plants in other provinces. Now, we need to connect Canada.”
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Sally Housser pointed out that a pipeline to Canada’s East Coast would “diversify our markets” and address the immediate tariff threats from Trump.
“We need to focus on diversifying our markets – and that starts with building a pipeline to Canada’s East Coast,” said Housser.
“That’s something we can control as Canadians. We need to think about the tariff threat right in front of us while also thinking about the future of the energy industry and our energy security.”
With federal and provincial budgets set to be released in the coming weeks, Beck urged both levels of government to make meaningful infrastructure investments now.
“With federal and provincial budgets coming in just a few weeks, we must see meaningful investment in trade-enabling infrastructure,” said Beck.
“We can never again be in such a position of weakness when it comes to the Americans and our economy. We need to take matters into our own hands and start building now to secure Saskatchewan’s future.”
