OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sat down with Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson today, the latest in a series of meetings he’s having with municipal leaders as the Liberals figure out how to make their infrastructure dreams a reality — and respond to western Canadians who feel left out.

Iveson came out saying the prime minister seemed open to ideas from western mayors when it comes to economic development.

Iveson also says he and other mayors in the West could help facilitate Ottawa’s dealings with western premiers like Alberta’s Jason Kenney and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe, who lead provinces where the Liberals won zero seats in the October election.

Ahead of the meeting, Trudeau said he and Iveson have spent some time in recent weeks talking about how the federal government can better help people living in Alberta, and that he recognizes people there are feeling “anxiety and real frustration” as a result of ongoing economic struggles.

Trudeau says he and Iveson have worked together on things like infrastructure, housing and fighting homelessness, but he knows there is more to do.

Iveson, who was also in Ottawa for a gathering of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, also says he expects the Trans Mountain pipeline to be expanded, and that it would help to alleviate concerns in Alberta.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2019.

The Canadian Press