Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe met with newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday in what observers are calling a critical first engagement between the two leaders. The meeting, held in Ottawa, comes just three weeks after Carney’s Liberal government secured a narrow parliamentary majority.
The hour-long closed-door session addressed several contentious issues that have strained federal-provincial relations in recent years. Chief among them: carbon pricing, resource development, and healthcare funding—flashpoints that have positioned Saskatchewan as one of the federal government’s most vocal provincial critics.
“I came to Ottawa today to present Saskatchewan’s priorities directly to the Prime Minister,” Moe told reporters afterward on Parliament Hill. “Our province needs a partner in Ottawa, not a distant regulator. Today was about establishing that we need to find common ground.”
Carney, for his part, characterized the meeting as “productive and frank,” suggesting the two found some areas of potential collaboration despite their political differences. “Premier Moe and I agree that economic growth and environmental protection must work together,” the Prime Minister said. “Where we differ is on how to get there.”
The meeting represents a notable shift from the frosty relationship that developed between Saskatchewan and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Policy experts suggest Carney’s background as former Bank of Canada governor might create new diplomatic avenues.
“This initial meeting sets the tone for federal-Saskatchewan relations,” said Dr. Melissa Kingsley, political scientist at the University of Regina. “Carney understands financial markets and economic impacts in ways his predecessor didn’t, which could reshape the dialogue around carbon pricing and resource development.”
Provincial officials confirmed that Moe presented a formal proposal outlining Saskatchewan’s alternative approach to emissions reduction—one that emphasizes technology innovation over taxation. The document reportedly highlighted the province’s carbon capture investments and agricultural carbon sequestration potential.
A spokesperson from the Premier’s office indicated that healthcare funding occupied nearly a third of the discussion. Saskatchewan has joined other provinces in demanding the federal health transfer increase from 22 percent to 35 percent of provincial healthcare costs, citing mounting pressures from an aging population and post-pandemic service backlogs.
“Our emergency rooms and rural health centers need sustainable funding,” Moe emphasized. “We made it clear that Saskatchewan expects the federal government to return to the funding partnership as originally designed.”
One area where the leaders found unexpected common ground was infrastructure investment. Carney’s campaign promise of a Rural Infrastructure Acceleration Fund appears to align with Saskatchewan’s needs, particularly for highway improvements and irrigation projects essential to the province’s agricultural sector.
The meeting follows recent Statistics Canada data showing Saskatchewan’s economy grew 3.2 percent last year, outpacing the national average of 2.7 percent. This economic performance, largely driven by potash and agricultural exports, strengthens Moe’s bargaining position as he pushes for greater provincial autonomy in resource management.
Local reaction in Saskatchewan appears cautiously optimistic. “We’ve seen these meetings before, but what matters is follow-through,” said Kelly Thomson, head of the Regina Chamber of Commerce. “Our members just want certainty—whether it’s about carbon costs, transportation networks, or trade agreements.”
Indigenous leaders in the province are watching closely as well. Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron noted, “Any federal-provincial relationship must include First Nations as equal partners at the table, especially when discussing resource development and climate policy.”
Political analysts suggest this meeting represents Carney’s broader strategy of resetting relationships with provincial governments after years of tension under Trudeau. Last week, he met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and has scheduled meetings with all provincial and territorial leaders before month’s end.
“Carney needs these relationships to advance his economic agenda,” explained veteran political commentator Janet Winters. “Saskatchewan represents both a challenge and opportunity—it’s resource-rich but politically resistant to Liberal policies.”
For everyday Saskatchewan residents,
