April 22, 2026 | Category: News Releases

Regina, SK — Canada’s ability to compete in a rapidly changing global economy will depend on stronger trade diversification and more reliable transportation systems, according to leaders gathered at the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) 2026 Spring Member Forum.

The Forum brought together senior representatives from industry, government, and labour to examine mounting pressures on Canada’s economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, and growing demands on national supply chains.

Opening the Forum, WESTAC Board Chair and Saskatchewan Minister of Highways, the Honourable Kim Gartner, emphasized that trade diversification will only succeed if supported by strong infrastructure. Reliable transportation corridors, he noted, are essential to connecting Canadian goods to global markets and driving long-term economic growth.

A central theme throughout the day was the need to shift from cost-driven supply chains to systems built on reliability and resilience. As global risks increase, Canada’s competitive advantage lies not only in its resource base, but in its ability to deliver consistently to international markets.

Participants highlighted that Canada’s ambition to expand exports beyond the United States represents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the U.S. will remain a core trading partner, future growth will require accessing new markets and improving system performance at home.

Speakers also pointed to broader structural challenges, including demographic pressures, productivity concerns, and affordability issues, that are reshaping Canada’s economic outlook. Addressing these issues will require coordinated action across governments, industry, and labour.

Despite these challenges, the Forum reinforced that Canada is well positioned to succeed. With strong global demand for its energy, agri-food, and resource sectors, the country has a clear opportunity to strengthen its role as a reliable supplier in an increasingly uncertain world.

The key question, participants agreed, is whether Canada can align policy, investment, and infrastructure to deliver on that potential.

As discussions concluded, one message stood out: Canada’s economic future will depend not just on what it produces, but on how effectively it can move those goods to market and how well industry and governments work together to make that happen.

“Never has this mission been more critical. With protectionism rising and supply chains shifting, Canada’s talk of trade diversification is facing a reality check. The question is whether we can compete in new markets with the focus, scale, and collaboration needed to win.” – Lindsay Kislock, President & CEO, WESTAC

Click here for the Forum program.

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For media inquiries:
Sarah Myers
Manager, Communications
smyers@westac.com