Ambassadors, officials from 50 countries tour Saskatchewan

REGINA—Ambassadors and officials from more than 50 countries are in Saskatchewan for the next three days to learn about the province and its economy.

The mission has been organized by the federal and provincial governments with the hope of luring new investment and workers to ease a labour shortage.

Regina MP Andrew Sheer, who is Speaker in the House of Commons, said the mission opens the door for many global opportunities.

Sheer said it will help foster new partnerships and strengthen old ones.

He also said it’s a chance to show how strong and diverse Saskatchewan is and how the province can help other economies through trade.

Veselko Grubisic, Croatian ambassador to Canada, said the newly signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU) will go a long way in building stronger partnerships.

“It’s probably the most comprehensive trade agreement in the history of humankind and I think it’s going to be great for Canada and all the EU countries,” Grubisic said.

He said he is looking forward to visiting the coal-fired carbon capture project at the Boundary Dam.

Croatia is currently building its third coal-powered reactor and is interested in carbon capture technology.

Sheer said it’s good to have international officials on the ground in the province.

“Their representatives are here in Saskatchewan learning about what’s going on in the province and seeing first-hand all the exciting things that have transpired here over the past few years,” Sheer said.

“Saskatchewan has taken on new importance to the Canadian economy over the past few years. A lot of that gets written about and projected around the world, but to have … the ambassadors from those countries themselves is an excellent opportunity.”