Sask. wants to finish a long-planned road to Fort McMurray. Alberta's not as sure about it
The Saskatchewan government says it will finish a nine-kilometre stretch of road on its side of the border in hopes of making an all-weather road between La Loche and Fort McMurray a reality.
"An all-weather road between these two northern communities will give employers access to a valuable workforce in northern Saskatchewan while providing gainful employment and economic development opportunities for the people and communities of this region," Premier Scott Moe said in a news release.
In a letter, Moe is asking Alberta premier Jason Kenney to do the same.
The road was first announced in 2005 to mark both provinces' centennials.
Forty-four kilometres of the 53-kilometre road required on Saskatchewan's side were completed in 2008, according to the province.
Alberta has never broken ground on its side.
In a statement to CTV News, the Alberta government said it "completed some preliminary work after the initial announcement."
The government said it's examining Moe's proposal.
However, it's also exploring "other egress routes" such as Highway 686 and the East Clearwater Highway.
"Alberta and Saskatchewan are strong partners in economic growth," the statement said.
The Saskatchewan government said "pre-construction" work will start this year, and its aiming to complete the road in 2023.
--With reporting from Jonathan Charlton
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.