Rather than that stunt-cabinetmaking idea of appointing a non-MP to be Minister for Saska-berta—heave a sigh for Mayor Nenshi!—Justin Trudeau created the surface-level appearance that attention to what’s ailing the petro-provinces will be a coast-to-coast priority. Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan is MP for Canada’s easternmost riding in St.
When asked about the western strategy Wednesday, many of the answers from Trudeau and his lieutenants diverted to the need to heed concerns of all Canadians. Freeland, the Prime Minister’s apparent co-leader of these efforts as deputy PM, said the key will be to “start by listening very, very hard” to concerns in Alberta and Saskatchewan, the plaintive, vague talking point that has remained the Liberal failsafe since Oct. 21.
The Liberals, at least, avoided putting gasoline on the fire with the picks of Wilkinson, Freeland and Carr, all of whom are generally well-liked and have Prairie roots. O’Regan will be a more polarizing figure—someone who assuredly has the Prime Minister’s friendly ear, on one hand, but also a politician who’s known better as a Trudeau pal than someone who accomplished much in the Veterans or Indigenous Services portfolios he’s been previously assigned.
We recognize that people who work in the oil sands have been providing energy and resources to Canada for many decades in a way that has created tremendous prosperity for this country.