SNC scandal fuels western alienation as Trudeau focuses on Quebec jobs

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Two prairie premiers said the SNC-Lavalin scandal is distracting Prime Minister Trudeau at a time he should be trying to protect jobs in the west.

Alberta’s Rachel Notley accused Justin Trudeau of focusing on Quebec jobs at a time when the west is facing dire economic issues.

Tens of thousands of energy sector jobs have been lost since the downturn, while more are at stake over Canada’s inability to build new pipelines.

“We know that here in the west, this has been a primary issue for a very long time,” Notley said.

Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe said Trudeau is focused on jobs in one province at the expense of other Canadians.

“I remind the Prime Minister again, he’s not the Prime Minister of Quebec, he’s the Prime Minister for all Canadians,” Moe said.

Notley also said S-N-C Lavalin should not be a distraction from a major issue facing canola farmers. China has blocked imports of Canadian canola from Richardson International, which exports 30 per cent of Alberta canola.

READ MORE: Premier voicing displeasure over banned canola shipments

According to University of Alberta political scientist Julian Castro-Rea, the scandal further validates the perception among westerners that Trudeau has a double-standard when it comes to Quebec.

“It is more important to have Quebec in their pocket than having the western provinces simply because of the numbers (of votes).”

 

With files from the Canadian Press

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