Alberta has signed agreements with Ontario to advance pipelines and energy corridors and repeal federal policies that are said to be blocking investment and growth of the provinces.
During his visit to the Calgary Stampede, Ontario Premier Doug Ford met with Premier Danielle Smith early Monday morning to sign two memorandums of understanding (MOU).
In a news release on Monday, Ford stated these MOUs are essential during times of economic uncertainty.
“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and ongoing economic uncertainty, Canadians need to work together to build the infrastructure that will diversify our trading partners and end our dependence on the United States," he said. "Together, we are building the infrastructure we need to protect Canada, our workers, businesses and communities. Let’s build Canada.”
The first MOU focuses on developing strategic trade corridors and energy infrastructure that will connect Alberta and Ontario's oil, gas and critical minerals to global markets.
These corridors include enhanced rail and port infrastructure at sites in James Bay and southern Ontario, and end-to-end supply chain development for refining and processing Alberta's energy exports.
A collaboration on nuclear energy development is also in the works between the two provinces to help meet growing electricity demands and create more affordable power for residents.
“Alberta and Ontario are joining forces to get shovels in the ground and resources to market," said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith of the memorandums. "These MOUs are about building pipelines and boosting trade that connects Canadian energy and products to the world, while advocating for the right conditions to get it done."
The second MOU centres around Alberta's commitment to better prioritize made-in-Canada vehicle purchases for its government fleet as well as to reduce barriers around inter-provincial trade of liquor products.
"Removing inter-provincial trade barriers, increasing labour mobility and attracting investment are absolutely crucial to Canada’s future economic prosperity," Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow said.
Both provincial leaders agreed there is a need for the federal government to address underlying issues that have harmed the energy industry within the provinces and across the entire country.
"Government must get out of the way, partner with industry and support the projects this country needs to grow," Smith said. "I look forward to working with Premier Doug Ford to unleash the full potential of our economy and build the future that people across Alberta and across the country have been waiting far too long for."
Some of the issues highlighted by the two leaders include amending or repealing the Impact Assessment Act, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, Clean Electricity Regulations and the Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Emissions Cap.
