Province pushes federal policy changes to grow helium industry
Saskatchewan’s energy minister will head to Ottawa next week to press for federal policy changes aimed at accelerating growth in the province’s helium sector and strengthening Canada’s role in global supply.
Chris Beaudry is leading a delegation to advocate for measures that would encourage private investment, align helium with other critical minerals in federal programs, and improve Canada’s competitiveness in the emerging industry.
The trip comes as Saskatchewan positions itself as a key player in global helium production. The province currently supplies about three per cent of the world’s helium and is targeting a 10 per cent share by 2030 through its Helium Action Plan.
Beaudry said Saskatchewan is well placed to expand its role as a stable supplier of the gas, which is essential for health care technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, national defence and scientific research.
He said aligning federal tax treatment with other critical minerals would help unlock investment and support long-term growth of Canada’s helium sector.
Industry leaders say federal policy clarity is critical as companies weigh major capital investments. Saskatchewan producers have already invested about $700 million in the province, with further growth tied to a competitive policy environment.
Nicholas Snyder, chairman and CEO of North American Helium Inc., said recent disruptions in global supply — particularly from the Middle East — highlight the need for a secure domestic industry.
He said Canada must also develop its own processing capacity, pointing to a proposed helium liquefaction facility as a key next step. Such a facility would enable higher-value uses and support exports, while strengthening supply for sectors such as health care, defence, semiconductor manufacturing and space exploration.
Chris Bakker, CEO of Avanti Helium Corp. and chair of the Helium Developers Association of Canada, said access to federal critical minerals programs and competitive tax treatment are essential to attracting private capital.
He noted Canada is estimated to have the world’s fifth-largest helium resource, but unlocking that potential will depend on coordinated policy support.
Provincial officials say treating helium on par with other critical minerals would help secure investment in Canada’s first helium liquefaction facility, a project they argue would create jobs, expand export opportunities and improve domestic supply security.