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The regional nature of Canadian politics, as played out in the recent federal election, presents both Conservatives and Liberals with serious challenges.

Voters in an angry mood in Saskatchewan and Alberta wagered all their parliamentary seats (except one in Edmonton) on the Conservatives forming government. But that approach foundered when Andrew Scheer failed to generate any meaningful enthusiasm in the rest of the country.

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To overcome the reality that Canada’s two major resource-based provinces are now without direct representation in the federal government, the prime minister must grapple structurally and substantively with an obvious disconnect in the Prairies.

There is no quick fix. It will take time and concrete accomplishments to replace fear and loathing with a decent level of trust and confidence. Welcome are the moderate western voices calling for serious, rational engagement to achieve what the Prairies need. Also welcome is the prime minister’s commitment to treat this issue with the gravity it deserves.