Ottawa says it won’t offer special incentives to convince Nutrien to keep its planned $1-billion potash export terminal in Canada, even as the fertiliser giant moves ahead with building the project in Washington state.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says the federal government is instead focused on improving Canada’s transportation infrastructure and hopes that, over time, those investments will make Canada more competitive. He called the decision disappointing but said it should push Ottawa to ensure similar losses don’t happen again.
Nutrien announced in November that it plans to build a major potash terminal at the Port of Longview, Washington, capable of shipping up to six million tonnes a year. Canadian ports like Vancouver and Prince Rupert were considered, but analysts say Canada currently lacks the rail and port capacity needed for a project of that scale.
Potash is one of Canada’s most important exports, and once the U.S. terminal is operating, a large share of Canadian potash could be shipped overseas through American ports. While Ottawa continues to invest billions in trade corridors, ports, and rail stability, experts say it’s unlikely Nutrien will reverse its decision anytime soon.
(Source: The Globe and Mail)
Get the newest stories from Brampton and all of Canada right here at Brampton-News.com.
