SASKATOON — Premier Scott Moe said the province’s long-term energy strategy will rely on a diversified approach that includes continued oil and gas development, expanded energy infrastructure and developing nuclear power to meet future electricity demand.
Moe said on Wednesday, July 15, that electricity policy, trade, pipelines and nuclear energy are among the issues that he and the other provincial and territorial premiers will discuss with Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of next week’s Council of the Federation meeting.
The 2026 Summer Meeting will be hosted by Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from Tuesday, July 21, to Thursday, July 23, as provinces and the federal government work together to strengthen Canada's economy and energy security.
Moe said that Saskatchewan is interested in hearing the federal government’s electricity strategy, as the province is planning energy diversification, including the development of nuclear power, and that the meeting is an opportunity for provinces to coordinate their approach and discuss federal collaboration.
"The electricity strategy that the administration put out a short time ago is, I think, of great interest to several provinces, including Saskatchewan. And as we look at significant nuclear build here in our province, it will really allow us to have some of the discussions among provinces on how we interact and how we are going to work together in really making sure we have a stronger Canada."
He said that this extends beyond electricity generation and ensuring Canadian industries remain competitive, to improving access to domestic and international markets, with stronger electricity infrastructure, pipelines, and ports playing an important role in supporting the national economy. He added that infrastructure such as pipelines and ports will help Saskatchewan do its share for the country’s industries, with the provincial government already working closely with Ottawa on the regulatory framework needed to advance Saskatchewan's nuclear ambitions.
He acknowledged there are operational and regulatory hurdles that must be addressed before a nuclear facility can be built. Still, he said communicating Saskatchewan’s plans and cooperating with the federal government is essential for the plan to move forward.
"As we work through some of the operational opportunities and challenges, we will work alongside not only Prime Minister Carney and his government, but continue to make every effort, both nationally and internationally, to work alongside the other provinces,” said Moe.
Moe said that Saskatchewan supports discussions on a proposed Alberta-Ontario pipeline, and that conversations about new energy infrastructure, even though still in the early stages, need to continue, as they create opportunities for local producers while strengthening the domestic energy network.
"It's good to have the discussion and have a plan for the future on how we're going to move energy not only to the U.S. but to other areas of the world, such as a West Coast pipeline. We also need to ensure that we're energy secure and sovereign in our own nation,” said Moe.
He said that Saskatchewan's economic performance gives the province a strong foundation for pursuing major energy investments, noting that more than $60 billion in projects are currently underway and that continued economic growth allows the government to invest in priority programs such as healthcare. A growing economy also creates conditions for private-sector investment, he said. He defended Saskatchewan's role in advancing Canada's international trade relationships, arguing that provinces can complement Ottawa’s efforts by advocating for industries important to their economies.
He pointed to Saskatchewan's ongoing engagement with India and China, saying that establishing province-to-nation trade agreements is a role provinces play that has continued to generate trade opportunities even during periods of diplomatic strain, and that working alongside the national government and advocating on behalf of industries are also important.
Responding to criticism from the Saskatchewan Environmental Society over the province's energy strategy, Moe rejected calls to abandon plans for nuclear power, arguing that opponents of nuclear energy and pipeline development are limiting Saskatchewan's ability to create jobs, grow its economy and contribute to Canada's long-term energy security.
"The Saskatchewan Environmental Society has several members that are in the NDP caucus, and that is very similar to the NDP's position on moving away from nuclear, not building pipelines across this nation, hinder the opportunities that we have not only for careers and jobs in Saskatchewan, but hinder the opportunity we have to contribute to the energy security of the nation of Canada and energy security to our allied nations around the world," Moe said.
Moe said Saskatchewan's government is committed to developing a nuclear industry that builds on the province's uranium reserves. He said nuclear generation offers a path to reliable, emissions-free electricity while creating high-value jobs and technological innovation. He added Saskatchewan could supply not only the uranium, but also much of the technology.
