Mosaic’s Belle Plaine team hosted Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, on July 11 for an operations tour and sit-down meeting.

Minister Freeland’s stop in Saskatchewan provided an opportunity to see the world’s largest potash solution mine and meet the talented team who are sustainably making potash to help feed the world.  

“I believe the next few years represent an historic opportunity for Canada and a remarkable opportunity for workers and businesses in Saskatchewan, where Saskatchewan can lead in critical minerals,” said Canada’s Deputy PM.  

Minister Freeland emphasized that having these conversations with Mosaic was a priority.

“The work you are doing here and the work that’s being done at potash mines throughout Saskatchewan is essential to farmers around the world,” said Canada’s Deputy PM. “That means there are millions of people around the world who depend on you to produce the potash that farmers need to grow the food that feeds us. It's an important job.” 

Minister Freeland engaged in discussions with Belle Plaine’s leadership and operations team including site Ryan Thomas, General Manager, Jessica Theriault, Director Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability, Murray Schultz, Director, Applied Process Technologies, and Marnel Jones, Director Government and Public Affairs. The Mosaic team spoke to the Deputy Prime Minister about the processes used to extract and manufacture potash, the unique products sold globally, Mosaic’s bold ESG targets, and the challenges facing the potash industry due to the labour disruption at Canada’s West Coast ports. 

“There’s really no better way to tell our story than to welcome someone on-site, to see the product in their hands, and meet the people who make it every day,” said Marnel Jones, Director Government and Public Affairs. “It’s the most sustainable and ethically produced potash in the world and we’re very proud of what we do.”

This was the Deputy Prime Minister’s second visit to a Mosaic potash facility in Saskatchewan. Last summer, she spent time touring the company’s facility in Colonsay.  

Shane Kivol, Production Coordinator, Belle Plaine, answers questions from Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister.