Article content continued

Moe faced the same questions on Monday afternoon and again avoided calling out separatists. He said it’s up to Trudeau to heal the divisions Ottawa has opened up. He said calls for separation are a “reaction” to federal policies over the past four years.

“My position is that Saskatchewan should be in a strong and united Canada,” said Moe. “We have to work with the prime minister of Canada to ensure that Saskatchewan will be a strong and united partner within the nation. This conversation is in the prime minister’s hands.”

Moe was noncommittal when asked if he’d be willing to offer any concessions on his three demands to come to an understanding with Trudeau, though he said there is “room for a real conversation” around issues like climate change and pipelines.

“We most certainly would like to sit down and have the discussion,” he said.

Trudeau has pointed to a need to listen to western Canadians and find a way to respond to their concerns. But important gaps at the cabinet table will make that more difficult. Saskatchewan has lost its only cabinet minister in the Trudeau government with Regina—Wascana MP Ralph Goodale’s defeat, while Alberta lost its seat at the table with the defeat of Edmonton Mill Woods MP Amarjeet Sohi.

Commentators have floated names like Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and former Alberta premier Allison Redford as potential “bridge builders” to facilitate links between the federal cabinet and the West. Moe did not have any Saskatchewan names to mention when asked how the province should ensure it has a voice where decisions are made in Ottawa.