Ottawa says it is disappointed with Nutrien’s NTR-T decision to build an up to $1-billion potash export terminal in the United States and is working to convince the Saskatchewan-based fertilizer giant to change course and invest in Canada.

Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon said Friday he has requested a meeting with Nutrien’s project team to “convince them to change their mind.”

“Saskatchewan potash should be moved out of a Canadian port,” he said at a press conference Friday in Brampton, Ont. “I’m disappointed at this decision, and we’re hoping to persuade the company to change its mind.”

Mr. MacKinnon said he met with Nutrien chief executive officer Ken Seitz on Thursday. He did not offer specifics on what incentives Ottawa will offer the company, but said the federal government is committed to investing in port infrastructure, specifically in Saint John, N.B., and the Port of Vancouver.