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If the delegates are determined and the technical/logistical/regulatory/political information is available, we believe the May 18 trade corridor seminar to be hosted in Estevan, could provide game-changing results. 

If the pieces don’t come together, it will inevitably turn into another one-day discussion-fest featuring talking heads with no resolve. 

There is no denying that the Central North American Trade Corridor (CNATC) and its promotional association has natural advantages when it comes to carrying out the physical needs of international trade among Mexico, central and Midwestern United States and Western Canada. When the facts are dissected, it’s a no-brainer. 

Unfortunately, the concept that has been touted by knowledgeable supporters, has been put on back burners or conveniently forgotten by those who could serve it effectively. In other words, a lot of talk has not been coupled with a whole lot of action. 

There have been positive steps taken such as standardized road weight allowances for the commercial trucks, that makes their road work more efficient, but even that is not settled yet. 

Rail and airline links have been given little attention, even though there is now an added rail network between the U.S. and Canada, besides the CPR. 

There are competing routes going after this business link, but the CNATC holds the ace card in terms of rail and road because of the terrain. It’s a great route for hauling goods as efficiently as possible. 

We understand the hard-pressed Global Transportation Hub in Regina will have delegates on the panel. They need to be there since the GTH appears to have hit a wall, in terms of expansion and public perception lately. 

Who we may not see at the table, and who should most definitely be there if there is going to be any hope of ensuing action plans, are political and business leaders who are capable of making decisions, rather than those who are simply message-carriers. 

The seminar in Estevan should be attracting profiled representatives from Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska as well as the Dakotas and their federal bodies. We need to see our provincial and federal movers and shakers engaged in negotiations. We know for fact that the CNATC is not a strange subject for MP Ralph Goodale, for instance, since he addressed one such conference in Minot during the Chretien administration, the last time it seemed there might be an action plan. 

The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership will be at the table bearing vital information and statistics. Will they be prepared to sign deals? 

The panel needs to hear from the Highway 39 Time to Twin advocates for obvious reasons. Provincial highways, economy and environment ministries need to be taking notes, recording and committing resources. The list of the businesses that should have representatives at this particular seminar, is endless. 

The border services agencies need to be represented and armed with information to impart so that discussions don’t bog down with misunderstandings about international trade rulings. 

We feel this international conference could be one that finally gets the CNATC into a sustainable action plan, rather than another summit filled with talking points and great ideas that end up going nowhere. 

Perhaps it’s time for more motion and fewer motivational speakers. The issues and needs have been discussed to death. Anyone who has given the corridor even a cursory study, is in agreement that it is a great idea. What it lacks is momentum. 

The Energy City is poised to give it that necessary boost, and if there was ever a time in our history this province and this geographical region needed an economic boost, it’s now. 

Or, we could just talk about it … again.