Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan Sign MOU for Pipeline, Minerals Infrastructure

The premiers of Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of pipelines, rail corridors, and critical mineral processing infrastructure to enhance the transportation and export of Western Canadian energy resources and minerals. This agreement aims to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States by creating new trade routes and connecting critical mineral supply chains from the Ring of Fire region to ports in Western Canada, facilitating access to both domestic and international markets. The premiers emphasized the need to overcome federal regulatory barriers, such as Bill C-69 and emissions caps, to advance these projects, which are expected to safeguard jobs, strengthen energy security, and foster sustainable economic growth. Ontario Premier Doug Ford highlighted the importance of building a resilient economy in the face of President Trump's tariffs and noted the use of Ontario and Saskatchewan steel in the projects. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stressed the strategic importance of pipelines to the northwest coast for access to Asian markets and the need for Canada to diversify its trade beyond the U.S. The agreement also seeks to strengthen interprovincial trade and infrastructure development, signaling a united provincial effort to secure Canada's energy future.