Nenshi reacts to Trudeau's 'resourcefulness' comments at World Economic Forum

Calgary mayor with the prime minister in Davos, Switzerland

CBC.ca
Jan. 20, 2016

View video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2682319320/

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi says he doesn't agree with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comment that Canada should be known for its resourcefulness, not its resources.

The mayor is taking part in the World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland.

Trudeau attempted to differentiate himself from Stephen Harper, who addressed Davos as prime minister in 2012.

"My predecessor wanted you to know Canada for its resources," he said. "I want you to know Canadians for our resourcefulness."

Nenshi says he would not have used that language.

"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," said Nenshi.

Canada is 'resources plus'

Calgary's mayor was just one of many Canadian politicians in attendance at the forum.

Nenshi says market access is an issue "being discussed in every corner of this place."

"The two most likely pipeline projects are both entirely in Canada. It's Trans Mountain and Energy East," he said.

"And Energy East in particular supplies Alberta energy to the rest of Canada. So, yes, social licence is required within our own country, but we also need to see action from this federal government about what's happening in Canada."

Nenshi says the National Energy Board should come down with a decision on the Trans Mountain pipeline in May. He's urging the federal government to not delay and to move forward with that project quickly.