A report from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities highlights the major economic challenges western communities are facing, but also includes solutions. The report comes from the FCM’s Western Economic Solutions Taskforce.

Chair of WEST, and councillor with the City of Yorkton, Randy Goulden, says along with pointing out the challenges, the report presents the taskforce’s vision for how western innovation and resourcefulness can protect and create jobs, support Canada’s transition to net-zero emissions, and help drive national prosperity.

Some of the recommendations for the federal government include establishing national utility corridors pre-approved for the development of transportation, energy and telecommunications infrastructure, improving rail safety through increased funding for municipalities to comply with federal regulations, and supporting energy communities as part of the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.