Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and the federal infrastructure minister disagree over a timeline for projects the province says are critically important.
Moe is accusing Ottawa of delaying infrastructure projects worth $200 million from starting this construction season.
A letter to federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Francois-Philippe Champagne posted on Moe’s Twitter account says the province has also faced delays for accessing guidelines.
The federal government continues to delay $200M in critical infrastructure projects – (e.g. safe drinking water), northern evacuation centres & solid waste management – from moving ahead.
Provincial governments across Canada have been frustrated by similar delays. pic.twitter.com/I7YUkxwJTd
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) July 29, 2019
The letter says the province submitted its list of projects for federal consideration more than five weeks ago.
Champagne’s press secretary says in an email that Infrastructure Canada received the projects from Saskatchewan 17 days ago and most work is to begin this fall or later.
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt says the minister approves projects after they have been reviewed and discussed by federal and provincial officials.
Ottawa says Saskatchewan has submitted 20 to 30 projects and the review process depends on various factors.