Provincial politicians stood up during the SARM convention yesterday to give their addresses on some of the recent concerns rural areas had felt. That began with Premier Scott Moe, but Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck soon followed up with her own ideas.
She brought forward her calls for a nationwide plan to build Canada’s future with more rail lines, pipelines and power lines. Also in transportation, she wants to see the TransCanada Highway twinned from coast-to-coast.
She also told the gathered convention that the ongoing trade war with U.S. President Trump should be a “wakeup call” for all Canadian political leaders to diversify and improve our access to markets.
"This isn't about politics. This isn't about ideology. This is simply a must do to meet the challenge and to plan for the future of this country. "
The NDP presented their four-point plan to build Canada during the convention:
– Expansion of Rail and Port Capacity – Upgrading rail lines, including short-line rail, to ensure Saskatchewan’s agricultural and mining exports can efficiently reach overseas markets.
– A Pipeline to the East Coast – Constructing critical infrastructure to deliver Saskatchewan and Alberta oil and gas to European markets while alleviating pressure on rail transport.
– Strengthening Power Transmission – Investing in power generation and interties to secure electricity supply and position Saskatchewan as a leader in energy production.
– Twinning Highway 1 from Coast to Coast – Ensuring the efficient movement of goods within Canada without reliance on U.S. trade routes.