Danielle Smith and Doug Ford to sign agreements on ‘transformative’ projects
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is set to announce a “transformative“ public infrastructure project that could help export Alberta energy and Ontario’s critical minerals to new markets using pipelines, rail lines, and ports.
Ford, who has served as the chair of the Council of the Federation this year, leading the premiers in a push for free trade and better cooperation between provinces, is set to sign a memorandum of understanding to build energy and trade infrastructure on Monday.
Ahead of the signing, Ford and Energy Minister Stephen Lecce held a roundtable with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and government officials to discuss their alignment on energy exports.
“The best way to protect Canadian workers from tariffs and economic uncertainty is to build the infrastructure that will get our resources to new markets,” Ford said on social media.
“We discussed how we can build new pipelines, rail lines and ports that will help us export Canadian critical minerals and energy to new customers around the world.”
During the snap election campaign, Ford pledged to support the Energy East, Northern Gateway and pipeline projects to Canada’s northern coast.
While the government has been tight-lipped on the announcement, an Ontario government source said the focus of the announcement will rest on getting “Western Canadian oil and gas and Ontario’s critical minerals to new markets.”
In an internal government-wide memo, Ford’s Chief of Staff teased the announcement as one to watch.
“In support of our plan to protect Ontario … Premier Ford will unveil and spearhead a truly transformative and job-creating infrastructure project that will support the economic independence and energy security of Ontario and all of Canada,” the memo read.
The announcement is set to take place at 11 a.m. EST.
globalnews
