Mayor Charlie Clark says Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland appears to be very engaged in how Saskatoon and western Canada can work with the federal government in addressing challenges facing the west.

This comes after Mayor Clark met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other political leaders in Ottawa this week.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with her here in Saskatoon before long so that we can help her understand what we, what role we can play as a city in helping to build the country.” said Clark.

Topics discussed during the first meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Western Economic Solutions Task Force included trade disputes, rail backlogs and low commodity prices.

Clark believes there was a step taken forward in the relationship with the federal government following his trip to the nation’s capital.

“I think there’s progress being made, I think the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is one of those key steps.” said Clark. The mayor adds infrastructure funding was also discussed.

“In Saskatoon we’re wanting to make sure that we have the ability to get those infrastructure dollars flowing through our community.”

Clark adds funding for transit is one of the key things that he wants to make sure happens for the city with the future Bus Rapid Transit system taking shape over the next few years.

Clark says they don’t have a date set for their next meeting, although conversations are taking place to set up a date.

The task force is made up of municipal leaders from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.