This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

Nenshi Reminds Trudeau That Canada Is Still A Resource-Based Economy

Nenshi says he prefers to describe Canada as "resource plus."

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi took some issue with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland Wednesday.

"My predecessor wanted you to know Canada for its resources," Trudeau said during a keynote address in Davos. "I want you to know Canadians for our resourcefulness."

Nenshi said he wouldn't have used the same language as Trudeau, saying he prefers to describe Canada as "resource plus," Global News reported.

"We are still a resource-based economy. Our biggest export is still energy. And I do not see a path where that does not continue to be the case, so clearly we need to do what we can on market access," Nenshi told CBC News.

The most important issue facing resource-rich Alberta right now is how to get the province's products to tidewater, the mayor added.

Some experts, including former Liberal cabinet minister Brian Tobin, say its important Canada isn't seen as running away from from the resource sector, as commodities are cyclical, Metro News reported.

“(Trudeau) has put another question mark around the government’s attitude towards resources. It adds an extra level of nervousness to a situation that’s already boiling with nervousness," Mount Royal University political analyst David Taras told the Calgary Herald.

However, Nenshi's comments may not be technically correct.

According to Statistics Canada data released in September, energy is the country's second-largest export. The shift, which placed auto exports on top, could be interpreted as another indicator of how oil's collapse is altering Canada's economy.

Also on HuffPost:

#1 - Suncor Energy

Alberta's Biggest Oil And Gas Companies

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.