BSE

Recently my ‘Report to Constituents’ has included some discussion of the ongoing US border closure to live animals as a result of a single case of BSE found in Alberta over one year ago.

While speculation continues as to when the border will re-open to live animals, there seems to be no consensus as to when that might happen.  There have been positive comments recently by federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale as he has acknowledged that this issue remains a priority and that the federal government realizes it may have to provide additional support to producers if the border remains closed.  At the same time, new federal Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell’s comments have been less encouraging.

It will be important for the provincial government to remain as committed.  Of course everyone is hopeful for good news on the border, but at the same time contingency planning for this crucial industry must be a priority for all levels of government.  Increasingly, there is public discussion of increased testing, and I welcome your feedback on this idea as well.

Additionally, a group of Saskatchewan Party MLAs, led by Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard and Official Opposition Agriculture critic Lyle Stewart, recently lobbied American legislators from 11 Midwestern US states at a conference in Des Moines, Iowa.  The goal of this conference was to find practical solutions in support of re-opening the American border to Canadian cattle, sheep and bison by establishing a comprehensive North American livestock identification system.

The reactions given by the Sask Party MLAs were positive as the American State Legislators seemed to recognize the need to re-open the border to Canadian cattle.  But at the same time, cooperation on the state level does not necessarily ensure that the American federal government is ready to re-open the borders pending the US elections in November.

SaskEnergy/SGI

Recent developments at SaskEnergy have exposed the hidden agenda on the part of the Calvert government that up to 50% of the TransGas subsidiary of SaskEnergy was earmarked for privatization by the NDP before the election.  After resigning from the crown corporation over alleged vacation compensation irregularities for senior management, former SaskEnergy CEO Ron Clark confirmed this fact despite Mr. Calvert having given his assurance that no portion of the crown had been approved for sale.

Since the last election we have seen a series of broken promises by Mr. Calvert.  These developments provide the latest evidence of a government that has simply not been straight with Saskatchewan people.  Earlier in July, it was announced that SGI will be seeking a rate increase of 10% effective January 1^st, 2005.  The announcement comes only three months after SGI Minister Maynard Sonntag commented that SGI was doing well financially and that SGI was not contemplating a rate hike.  It further proves that Premier Calvert has no intention of keeping his NDP election promise that Saskatchewan would have the lowest-cost bundle of utilities (phone, electricity, natural gas and car insurance) in the country.  By its own admission, the Calvert government is not keeping that promise.

Positive Change at the Legislature

Shortly after taking on my new role, I asked our House Leader, Melfort MLA Rod Gantefoer, to initiate negotiations with his government counterpart for a permanent Legislative calendar.  This may sound about as relevant to you as the weather forecast for Halifax and as interesting as a long speech on the intricacies of the tax code, but there are some important realities at play.

For the last number of decades we in Saskatchewan unlike most provinces have only had a spring sitting of the Legislature.  Elsewhere, fall sittings are the norm where governments can introduce their legislative agenda and then consult directly with affected groups and people in general before the legislation is dealt with in a spring sitting

As a result of our agreement with the government, this is now a reality in our province.  This can and will lead to better, more responsive government and I would take this opportunity to congratulate the Premier for agreeing to this new measure.

Saskatchewan governments have been able to avoid the Legislative Assembly for long stretches of time.  The loss of accountability is too often the result.  Regardless of who the government happens to be at any given time, it must be responsible to the people of this province through the Legislative Assembly. 

If you have any concerns, suggestions or questions regarding the provincial government, please feel free to contact us.