The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and senior leaders from 12 companies met with federal ministers, officials, and caucuses to advance shared priorities for Saskatchewan’s economy.

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) brought senior leaders from 12 companies to Ottawa for its annual Saskatchewan Hill Days delegation, connecting Saskatchewan employers directly with federal ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials. Discussions focused on practical conditions for business growth: reliable transportation, access to markets and workers, predictable project approvals, and infrastructure that supports investment.

This year marked a first for the delegation: the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, joined the Chamber’s meetings with elected federal officials. His ministry worked with the Chamber to coordinate joint meetings and align advocacy efforts, so federal leaders heard business and provincial perspectives on the same priorities, in the same room.

The annual trip gives federal decision-makers an opportunity to hear directly from Saskatchewan employers about how policy affects day-to-day operations and long-term investment. Bringing companies together also makes shared challenges visible across sectors, rather than treating them as isolated concerns. The discussions created practical opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses to contribute to federal policy development, which the Chamber and participating members are now following up on.

At a glance

• Dates: Oct. 19–20, 2026, in Ottawa
• Participants: Senior leaders from 12 companies in agri-food, mining, energy, transportation, and manufacturing
• Meetings: 17 with federal ministers, parliamentary secretaries, senior officials, political offices, and caucuses
• A first: Hon. Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, joined as the delegation’s first provincial minister

Key themes and business priorities

Reliable supply chains and transportation. Delegates emphasized that Saskatchewan businesses need dependable rail, port, and trade corridor infrastructure to reach customers. Discussions on Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, reflected general support for advancing projects alongside concerns about proposed labour provisions. Members urged a stronger focus on preventing significant disruptions, explaining that uncertainty can affect shipments, investment, and customer confidence before a work stoppage begins, and long after it ends.

Market access and trade diversification. Businesses highlighted the importance of protecting North American trade relationships while expanding opportunities in Asia and other international markets. Agricultural market access, including canola products in China, was a recurring priority. Delegates also discussed how the Trade Commissioner Service and federal financing institutions could better support exporters and emerging-resource projects.

Investment and regulatory certainty. Members called for clearer, more coordinated project reviews and responsive funding processes. Discussions covered critical minerals, potash, uranium, nuclear energy, oil and gas, and opportunities in food processing. Across sectors, delegates emphasized that investment incentives must be accompanied by predictable approvals and reliable infrastructure.

Workers and communities that support growth. Delegates connected economic immigration, skilled trades training, and workforce mobility with businesses’ ability to expand. They emphasized immigration programs that respond to Saskatchewan’s regional labour needs and help retain workers and their families. Housing, water and wastewater systems, childcare, and other community amenities were discussed as essential supports for rural and northern development.

Food and energy security. Members highlighted the connections among agricultural production, food processing, fuel supply, and transportation. They encouraged a coordinated approach to strengthening supply chains and advancing a national food strategy.

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“Federal decisions shape how Saskatchewan businesses invest and get their products to market. This delegation gave ministers and officials a clear view of what employers across the province need, from reliable trade corridors and predictable approvals to the workers and community infrastructure that support growth. We look forward to building on these conversations in the months ahead,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Participating companies

The delegation included senior leaders and representatives from:

• AGT Foods
• BHP
• Cameco
• Canpotex
• Cenovus
• CN
• Eldorado Gold Saskatchewan
• Enbridge
• Federated Co-operatives Limited
• Louis Dreyfus Company
• Marshall Land Systems
• Prairie Lithium

Meetings with federal representatives

Delegates met with elected representatives, political offices, and senior public servants across portfolios affecting Saskatchewan businesses:

Ministers and parliamentary secretaries

• Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, and Minister of Internal Trade
• Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport
• Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Hon. Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development
• Hon. Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
• Hon. Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
• Hon. Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade
• Hon. Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

Senior federal officials

• Greg Orencsak, Deputy Minister, Natural Resources Canada
• Phillip Jennings, Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development
• Jean-Dominique Ieraci, Associate Deputy Minister and Head of the Strategic Export Office, Global Affairs Canada
• Serge Bijimine, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Transport Canada
• Eric Costen, Deputy Secretary, and Alison O’Leary, Deputy Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office
• Matt de Vlieger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Political offices and caucuses

• Opposition Leader’s Office
• Liberal Prairies and North Caucus
• Conservative Party of Canada Saskatchewan Caucus

Next steps

Follow-up priorities for the Chamber and participating members include:

• Providing evidence and recommendations on Bill C-39, supply-chain reliability, and project review challenges.
• Sharing immigration case studies and concrete examples of rural workforce and housing needs.
• Advancing feedback on critical minerals, export barriers, trade services, and financing.
• Continuing discussions on transportation and community infrastructure, including northern airspace concerns.
• Building on federal relationships and following up on opportunities for officials to visit Saskatchewan.

The Chamber will carry these priorities into its ongoing federal advocacy, including its work on Bill C-39 and its 2027 Federal Pre-Budget Submission. Members can follow this work on the Chamber’s advocacy and policy page.

Looking ahead to the 2027 Ottawa Delegation

The Chamber is now planning its 2027 Ottawa Delegation. Each year, the delegation gives Saskatchewan business leaders the opportunity to engage directly with federal ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, and policy advisors on the issues that matter most to the province’s economy. Bringing together employers from a range of industries allows the delegation to present a unified voice on growth, investment, trade, and job creation.

Organizations interested in joining next year’s delegation are encouraged to reach out early, as expressions of interest help shape planning. To learn more about the program, expected timelines, and how to take part, contact the Chamber at info@saskchamber.com.