Saskatchewan’s premier calls the Prime Minister’s visit to Saskatchewan today to tour a rare earth elements processing plant disappointing, but not surprising.

“It’s disappointing because this is an area that the provincial and federal governments see eye to eye on, yet we were not aware of the Prime Minister’s visit.”

Scott Moe says he’s not surprised that one of the Prime Minister’s first visits following meetings with the American and Mexican presidents is a Saskatchewan facility because the province is a global leader in critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Premier Scott Moe’s statement on Prime Minister’s visit to Saskatoon January 16, 2023:

The Prime Minister’s visit to Saskatchewan today to tour a rare earth elements processing plant is disappointing, but not surprising.

It’s disappointing because this is an area that the provincial and federal governments see eye to eye on, yet we were not aware of the Prime Minister’s visit. Saskatchewan has been advocating for increased investment in this area, and we hope that the Prime Minister will have positive news today – and into the future – on our applications before Natural Resources Canada.

It’s not surprising as I led a Saskatchewan delegation in Washington D.C. last month, where I met with various levels of President Biden’s administration and discussed the opportunities Saskatchewan has to partner with the USA on providing the elements required for North American energy security.  It’s also not surprising that one of the Prime Minister’s first visits following his meetings with the American and Mexican Presidents is to a Saskatchewan facility, as our province is a global leader in critical minerals and rare earth elements.

I welcome Prime Minister Trudeau to Saskatchewan, and hope that he recognizes Saskatchewan’s potential in not only making a stronger Canada but a stronger North America during his time in our province today.