Saskatchewan's SMR Frustration: Leaders React to Ottawa's Alberta Energy Pact, Feeling Overlooked

You know, it’s quite something when a major federal announcement, meant to chart a course for Canada’s energy future, ends up sparking more frustration than fanfare, especially for a province that feels it’s already been leading the charge. That’s precisely the sentiment brewing here in Saskatchewan, as our leaders react rather strongly to a recent energy agreement struck between Ottawa and Alberta.

The core of the matter? Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently unveiled what they're calling a "Strategic Plan to Advance Small Modular Reactor Development and Deployment." It’s a mouthful, I know, but the gist is that it aims to fast-track SMRs in Alberta, positioning them as a critical tool for reaching those ambitious net-zero emission targets. And on paper, that sounds perfectly reasonable, doesn't it?

But here’s where the provincial perspective kicks in. Our very own Premier Scott Moe didn't mince words. He quickly expressed a deep sense of frustration, almost a feeling of being overlooked, even snubbed. "Saskatchewan has been a national leader in small modular reactor development and deployment," he pointed out, quite rightly. And he's got a strong case. SaskPower, our provincial utility, has been forging ahead with SMR plans for quite some time, earmarking potential sites near Estevan or Coronach with an eye on operation by the late 2020s or early 2030s. We've seen significant investment and strategic planning already underway.

Think about it for a moment: Saskatchewan was an original signatory, alongside Ontario, New Brunswick, and Alberta itself, on a memorandum of understanding back in 2020, all aimed at advancing SMRs. We've been at the forefront of this technology's exploration and implementation. So, for the federal government to sign a distinct, tailored agreement with Alberta, seemingly giving them special recognition for SMR development, while Saskatchewan is arguably further along in the process? Well, one can’t help but wonder why the same bespoke treatment isn’t being extended to us.

Premier Moe, naturally, is calling for Ottawa to offer Saskatchewan a similar "bespoke" agreement. It's not just about ego; it’s about recognition, federal support, and ensuring that the province that's genuinely paving the way gets the appropriate backing it deserves. He effectively questioned what he perceived as a "double standard," and it’s a fair query given our track record.

Of course, the federal government has its own narrative. Minister Wilkinson acknowledged Saskatchewan’s efforts, noting they are "strong supporters" of SMRs in our province and have indeed invested in SaskPower's pre-development work. He framed the Alberta agreement as being tailored to Alberta's specific context, particularly its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and the pathway they need to take to net-zero. It’s a nuanced argument, suggesting that different provinces require different forms of federal engagement based on their current energy mix and future goals.

Yet, for many here in Saskatchewan, it still feels like a slight. This isn't just about SMRs; it's part of a broader tension. Premier Moe has consistently voiced concerns about federal policies that he believes negatively impact our crucial oil and gas sector and, by extension, our entire provincial economy. This latest SMR agreement simply adds another layer to that ongoing dialogue about federal-provincial relations and the future of energy in Canada.

Ultimately, the message from Saskatchewan is clear: we’re not just spectators in Canada’s energy transition; we’re active participants, often leading the way. And when significant federal deals are being brokered, there’s an expectation, a real need, for that leadership to be acknowledged and supported directly, not just implicitly. The conversation, it seems, is far from over.