3.12 – Introduction deck – Early discussion items: Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy (GPE)
GPE stems from the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, a successful Private Member’s Bill championed by the late Honourable Jim Carr.
The Act names the Minister responsible for PrairiesCan as lead, with responsibility to deliver a framework for “local engagement and cooperation” to make federal programs more responsive to Prairie opportunities.
- Green Prairie Economy (GPE) was launched on December 18, 2023.
- Informed by public consultation, GPE is a federal commitment to strengthen federal coordination on Prairie-based investments and collaborate more closely with Prairie partners.
- GPE brings federal departments, and other stakeholders, together to drive common priorities.
- PrairiesCan has already exceeded its target of investing $100 million over three years towards projects that are advancing GPE priorities.
- PrairiesCan published an update on early accomplishments in March 2025. The Act requires a progress report be submitted to Parliament by December 2025.
- GPE is an opportunity for the new government to engage with key Prairie stakeholders to advance early priorities and investments (e.g., build out trade infrastructure, kickstart clean energy supply chain).
Ten federal departments are working together to implement the Framework’s goals
- PrairiesCan
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Transport Canada
- Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Finance Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada
- Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Guided by Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial committees, they are advancing five areas for collaboration identified by Prairie Canadians
- Growing key regional sectors
- Effective movement of goods, people and information
- Expanding and capitalizing on clean electricity
- Community economic development
- Economic reconciliation and inclusive growth