Minister Sidhu highlights Saskatchewan’s role in strengthening Canada’s trade, innovation and export success
News release
July 23, 2026 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Global Affairs Canada
This week, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, was in Saskatoon to meet with industry, Indigenous and provincial partners and experience first-hand the important role Saskatchewan plays in Canada’s trade and economic growth.
At Ag in Motion, Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo, Minister Sidhu announced over $10 million in funding to support agricultural innovation in Saskatchewan. He also met with agricultural manufacturers and ag-tech companies to learn about innovative technologies helping Canadian firms compete globally.
Minister Sidhu then toured the BHP Jansen mine construction site and Calian Advanced Technologies manufacturing facility. As the largest private investment in Saskatchewan’s history, the Jansen project will strengthen Canada’s position as a leading potash supplier globally, while creating jobs and economic opportunities across the province. At Calian Advanced Technologies, the Minister discussed export growth, international partnerships and opportunities in the aerospace, defence and technology sectors.
While in Saskatoon, Minister Sidhu also met with Indigenous business leaders to discuss opportunities and barriers to international trade and ways to support greater Indigenous participation in global markets.
Minister Sidhu also met with Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, to talk about trade diversification, investment attraction and export opportunities, including in Indo-Pacific markets.
Quotes
“Saskatchewan exports 70% of what it produces and is a global leader in agriculture, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and innovation. From the development of world-class mining projects and cutting-edge defence technologies to the growing success of Indigenous entrepreneurs and agricultural exporters, Saskatchewan businesses are driving Canada’s economic growth. We are negotiating trade agreements faster than ever to diversify our trade and help Canadian businesses so they can compete and succeed around the world.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
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Saskatchewan exported approximately $43.7 billion worth of merchandise in 2025, making it one of Canada’s most trade-oriented provinces.
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In 2025, Saskatchewan exported $18 billion worth of agri-food, with top commodities including cereals (such as wheat, barley and oats), oil seeds (such as canola and soybeans), fats and oils (including canola, colza and mustard oil) and edible vegetables (including legumes and potatoes).
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Top destinations for Saskatchewan exports in 2025 include the United States, China and Brazil.
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Launched in 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy has five strategic objectives, from security and trade to sustainability, people-to-people ties and regional engagement. It reflects Canada's commitment to inclusive growth and partnerships that create shared prosperity with Indo-Pacific economies.
Contacts
Mujtaba Hussain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
819-230-8834
Mujtaba.Hussain@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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