With the federal election bringing both a new MP for Souris–Moose Mountain and another Liberal minority government in Ottawa, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce is calling for stronger collaboration, attention to Western priorities, and a renewed focus on trade and economic resilience.
Stephen Bonk was elected as the new Member of Parliament for the riding following Monday night’s vote. Chamber executive director Merissa Scarlett said she is optimistic about working with Bonk and believes his experience in trade will benefit the region.
“First, congratulations to Stephen Bonk on winning our riding. The Chamber looks forward to working together with him to serve our membership.”
Scarlett said she hopes Bonk will be a strong voice for Souris–Moose Mountain in Ottawa, especially as the country faces growing economic uncertainty. She also congratulated the Liberals on forming another government, saying all parties will need to work together to address the challenges ahead.
“It’s a big time of uncertainty. He’s got a lot to handle — dealing with the United States, our economic future, and global trade.”
Scarlett says the Southeast needs the federal government to prioritize expanding trade both abroad and within Canada. That includes improving export capacity for key industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and critical minerals.
“We need to come together united and really work on ways to get our products — like agriculture — out to the world. Diversifying our trading partners should be a focus.”
Scarlett added that establishing stronger east–west trade corridors is just as important as maintaining north–south routes, and she praised provincial leaders for beginning to work together on the issue.
“Ensuring we have trade corridors open east–west, not just north–south, is critical. We’re in a time of crisis, which is also a time of opportunity — time to make changes, push forward with new ideas, and strengthen our position globally.”
She pointed to interprovincial trade barriers as another issue that needs federal attention, particularly in food regulations and professional certification.
“You can also look at ways of getting nurses and doctors certified across provinces. It’s a great opportunity, and something we can use to strengthen our country by breaking down old barriers.”
Scarlett also stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the United States, calling it more crucial than ever to listen to voices on both sides of the border.
“We’re very dependent on each other — for tourism, for industry, and trade in general. There’s a good relationship here, and working together is always best in my opinion.”
She said leaders need to focus on how the countries benefit one another and remember who is most affected by trade tensions.
“Really look at how we benefit each other — and the consumers are the voters, right? The people who pay the taxes are the ones most impacted by tariffs and trade wars.”
Scarlett said she hopes Canada’s minority Parliament will foster the kind of collaboration she sees among businesses locally — bringing different voices together to develop practical solutions.
She urged federal leaders to pay closer attention to Western Canada, emphasizing the region’s role in food, fuel and fertilizer production.
“We have what the world needs, and we do it in the most sustainable ways, with the most human rights. So why aren’t we selling our products to the people who need them?”
Scarlett said Canadians should feel proud of the country’s resource sectors and promote them more actively on the global stage.