Saskatchewan calls for end to tanker ban

October 26, 2026

Media Release, Energy and Resources, Government of Saskatchewan

Key points from this story:

• Province supports ending north coast tanker ban
• Supports Bill C-264
• Calls for federal parties to cooperate
• Premier Scott Moe quoted supporting exports
• North coast reduces transit times to Asia
• Aim to close WCS heavy oil discount

The Government of Saskatchewan supports Bill C-264 introduced by the Conservative Party of Canada and encourages all federal parties to work together to advance its timely passage. "Every new export opportunity helps strengthen Canada's economy," Premier Scott Moe said. "Greater egress capacity means more jobs, more investment, better prices for Western Canadian oil, and more revenue to support the services that Canadians rely on."

Removing the tanker ban aligns with the Government of Saskatchewan's long-standing position that improving Canada's capacity to export our world class energy products is of vital importance. Expanding export capacity opens access to strategic global markets, creates opportunities for trade diversification, and enhances industry confidence in Canada's competitiveness as a leading destination for energy investment.

"Saskatchewan supports efforts to provide Canadian energy producers with greater access to global markets," Energy and Resources Chris Beaudry said. "The north coast of B.C. offers reduced transit times to Asian markets, and decreases per barrel shipping costs. Saskatchewan supports evidence-based decision-making that considers the impressive performance of Canada's marine regulation regime, rather than blanket bans."

Removing unnecessary barriers to market access strengthens Saskatchewan's economy, attracts investments, and provides revenue for essential public services such as healthcare, education, and more for the people of Saskatchewan. New egress opportunities also help to close the widening price discount for Western Canadian Select heavy oil. In a rapidly evolving global economy, countries are increasingly seeking stable, reliable suppliers of energy. Canada is well positioned to help meet this growing demand, but greater export capacity will be required. The Government of Saskatchewan will continue to support all measures that enable Canadian energy producers to reach new markets, attracts investments, and create long-term economic opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities.