Brad Wall not interested in federal leadership

With Stephen Harper out as the leader of the federal Conservative Party of Canada, many are turning their attention to see if current Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is sizing up the job.

Wall is quickly putting a rest to that discussion. He was directly asked on Gormley Tuesday morning if he’s interested in leading the Conservatives.

“No. I have this great job. I’m humbled to have it. I’m honoured to have the job I have currently,” he stated.

“You know, it’s humbling. I’m grateful for the outreach. We’ve had outreach from some constituencies in Atlantic Canada saying ‘hey, we’ll help, we’ll support’, but I am grateful to have this job. I think it’s the best political job in the country and I’m going to reapply for it.”

Considering a switch to federal politics doesn’t appear likely for Wall anytime soon, but what about in the future? Gormley also asked Wall if he’s ruled out completely ever seeking a federal position?

“Yes,” Wall said concisely.

The premier is less concerned with federal politics and more concerned with receiving another mandate from voters in Saskatchewan come the spring election.

Working with the new government

Trade and pipelines are the two issues that are top-of-mind for Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, and he hopes the same goes for the newly elected majority Liberal government.

Wall said there’s reason for optimism working with the next Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.

The premier wants swift action on the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

“I think if the new government can find areas where they continue to surprise people on policy, I think frankly a quick move on TPP is a good example,” he said.

“There’s notional support for TPP which is huge for us in terms of our agriculture sector: ag implementing, manufacturing, forestry. This deal is very important that it be ratified, that Canada be in. I think that will be the case with Mr. Trudeau.”

Wall had previously sent a letter to all three main party leaders to get their thoughts on a variety of issues such as GMOs, equalization payments and pipelines. On the latter, Wall indicated how Trudeau supported Keystone XL but not the Northern Gateway pipeline. For the premier, the most important project would be Energy East, and is hopeful the next prime minister will show support to that project that would see western oil moved to eastern Canada.

“I’m optimistic, and I hope not naively so, that this new government is going to realize the common sense of Energy East and that’s a case that we’ll be making.”