Green Prairie Economy

The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy sets out a vision for a green Prairie economy that is prosperous, sustainable, and benefits everyone. It is a long-term commitment by the federal government to have stronger coordination between federal departments on investments for the Prairies and closer collaboration with Prairie partners on priorities to seize new opportunities in the transition to a net-zero future.

The Building a Green Prairie Economy Act

The Building a Green Prairie Economy Act was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by the late Honourable Jim Carr and became law in December 2022. The Act requires the federal government to develop a framework for cooperation and engagement in the implementation of federal programs across various sectors to build a greener regional economy on the Prairies.

Read the full text of the Act

Regional consultations

From February to July 2023, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) led consultations to inform the development of the Framework. It was the department’s largest consultation to date, including over 130 engagement meetings and roundtables in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Input was also invited online and via e-mail, where more than 130 submissions were received. Through these efforts, we heard from more than 500 organizations, including provincial and municipal representatives, Indigenous communities, industry and industry associations, organized labour, academia, think tanks, and people living and working across the Prairies.

Read a summary of the stakeholder input

The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy

The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy was launched on December 18, 2023. It represents a commitment by federal government to work differently, to enhance local cooperation and engagement, and ensure responsive federal programs. The Framework sets a vision for “[a] green Prairie economy that is prosperous, sustainable, and benefits all people living and working on the Prairies.” It provides a principles-based approach to local and regional collaboration that respects provincial jurisdiction and supports economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It commits to closer linkages with provincial governments and other stakeholders to drive strategic investments in the region and improve access to federal programs. The Framework also commits to tracking results and regularly reporting back to Parliament.

Read the full text of the Framework

Next steps for implementing the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy

Find out about the partners involved, ongoing engagement, areas of collaboration, and reporting for the Framework.

Learn more