The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has concerns that聽the very fabric of the country is being threatened by the devastating impact of low crude oil prices, our inability to get energy resources to global markets, and the increasing tensions between Canadians who live in resource-producing regions and other parts of Canada.
鈥淪askatchewan鈥檚 high standard of living is reliant on a sustainable energy sector and that means getting our resource products to market at a fair price and in a timely manner. The current situation allows for neither to happen,鈥� said CEO Steve McLellan.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is joining hundreds of other chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the country today, Feb. 20, to demand immediate improvements to Canada鈥檚 broken and dysfunctional regulatory system to ensure our energy resources get to international markets.
The energy resource sector has a huge impact on the economy in southeastern Saskatchewan. Over the last four years the declined resource activity has resulted in massive job losses and economic instability.
鈥淐anada鈥檚 economic well-being is at risk, in addition to political and regional tensions straining the unity of our country. We need to come together as Canadians to deliver a pointed message to politicians in Ottawa and across the country: the businesses in your jurisdictions want you act and act now,鈥� said Twila Walkeden, executive director of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce.
鈥淭he first priority is to fix Bill C-69. The government also needs to implement the regulatory changes promised in the Fall Economic Update and make immediate plans to get our resources to tidewater. Canadians have had enough of the talk. We want to see real, concrete actions,鈥� added Walkeden.
There is enormous demand for Canadian energy products, which are some of the cleanest and most ethically-produced in the world, to displace coal as an energy source within growing economies like China and India. Canada is squandering an opportunity to put more money in the pockets of every single Canadian and fight climate change at the same time because of the endless political bickering.
