Carney seems to be falling into the classic Canadian trap, in which idealism and special interests stand in the way of progress

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Have you heard the good news: our federal, provincial and territorial leaders all agree on the pressing need to build the critical infrastructure necessary to develop our natural resources, get them to market and turn Canada into an “energy superpower.”

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Yet despite all the optimism and goodwill expressed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and his provincial counterparts following the first ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, it’s readily apparent that the seeds of disunity and obstructionism are already taking root.

At a Monday press conference, the leaders made a point of highlighting that this is a “generational opportunity,” and that they are united in their quest to tear down internal trade barriers and build critical infrastructure.

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“We are united. We’re going to move this country forward, the likes of which we’ve never seen before,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe called this “a generational opportunity for Canadians,” while Manitoba’s Wab Kinew noted that it’s also a “generational opportunity for some of the poorest communities in our country.”

Even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed cautious optimism that the process will bear fruit for her province.

But, as usual, the devil will be in the details, and Carney spent an inordinate amount of time going over all the fine print.

While he promised to work “with the provinces, the territories and Indigenous peoples to identify and expedite nation-building projects,” the catch is that they will have........

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