BSE

The most important issue right now in our constituency and across our province is the closure of the US border to our beef.

As an Opposition party we have tried to be as constructive as possible in supporting provincial and federal governments in their attempts to get the border re-opened.  At the same time, we have still been asking tough questions on issues such as the declining scale of compensation announced under the federal-provincial package, and the actions and comments of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. 

Just this past week Agriculture Minister Clay Serby began publicly discussing the depopulation of the Saskatchewan cattle herd by 40%.  The Official Opposition Sask. Party believes it’s premature to be making those comments and it is unacceptable that our Ag Minister has not consulted prior to making this statement.

Meanwhile, my colleague in the Legislature, Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Brenda Bakken, showed us that one determined person can make a huge difference.  In late June she contacted the president of Dairy Queen Canada, whom she knew from her days as a franchisee, and encouraged him to look at going “100% Canadian beef” in all of their restaurants across Canada.  About one week later, he called her back to say it was happening.  Bakken also wrote to the other fast food chains, and since then Burger King, A&W, Wendy's and McDonald's announced they would also switch to 100% Canadian beef.

The Opposition also pressured the NDP government to use its $20 million investment representing a 30% share in a hamburger patty plant in Saskatoon to stop that company from importing foreign beef.  I couldn’t believe it when Agriculture Minister Clay Serby called that idea “ridiculous.”  This was especially surprising coming from same minister whom we had supported since the beginning of the mad cow scare.

Of course the only real resolution to this crisis is the re-opening of the border.  We will continue to provide whatever support and constructive suggestions we can as the Official Opposition. 

Bumper Stickers for Beef

On a local note, thank you to all those businesses and local organizations that have stepped up with their own very real and important demonstrations of support for the beef industry.  This industry is absolutely critical not only to the southwest but to all of Saskatchewan and we have to do whatever we can to ensure its viability and prosperity. 

Please feel free to come in to our and pick up a complimentary bumper sticker that supports our Canadian beef industry.  Sask Party MLA’s have had them printed and made them available in our constituency offices.

Same Sex Marriages

Never in the three years of offering the MLA Feedback Line have we received such an overwhelming response as we did on the question regarding same-sex marriages.  As of today, we have received over 800 phone calls, letters, emails and web site votes and 94% are clearly opposed to the recognition of same sex marriage.  Our party position on this issue is also clear, that Saskatchewan should look at any means available, including the ‘notwithstanding clause’ of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to opt out of any federal law on this issue and to protect the definition of marriage.  As the Saskatchewan Party affords each MLA a free vote, I wanted the input and views of Swift Current and area constituents.  The message was received loud and clear.  Thanks to all who participated.

New CT Scan

Near the end of the Legislative session we circulated and received many petitions of support from constituents asking the provincial government for a new permanent CT scan unit for Swift Current.  In the spring budget, the NDP government announced it allocated funds for 3 permanent CT units for various regional centres.  However, it was confirmed that Swift Current would be receiving the used portable unit that has for the past four years bounded down the TransCanada between Moose Jaw and Swift Current on a shared basis.  The new units would be allocated to Moose Jaw and Yorkton.  This just does not make sense, and in my view, demonstrates that Swift Current and the southwest are simply not high on this NDP government’s list of priorities.

Our health care region has had four years of experience now with the mobile cat scan.  We have the highly trained health care professionals skilled in this diagnostic field.  Why then wouldn’t the government grant Swift Current one of the new units and give the used one to a region that has no such training to allow them to develop those skills and maximize the utilization of all of these cat scan units?

That was precisely the constructive proposal of our own front line health care professionals.  The petition makes this strong case and they have been steadily coming into the office.  I have presented those petitions in the Legislature and asked the Health Minister about the issue in the Legislature and written to him requesting one of the new units for our region.  Even though the Legislative session has ended, please feel free to sign or circulate a petition as I will continue to send them to the Health Minister.

In my next report I will endeavor to wrap up the most recent sitting of the Legislature. 

Have a great summer!

Contact Info