The Government’s Finances Are Fine…How About Yours?

It’s more than a rhetorical question.  Record high energy prices have the provincial government swimming in unbudgeted revenue.  Literally, hundreds of millions of dollars in oil and gas royalties are flowing into the Calvert government coffers.

The Saskatchewan Party believes we need a long term plan for this additional revenue that must contemplate the provincial debt and the need to ensure that our economy is as competitive as possible vis a vis taxes on investment and our infrastructure in Saskatchewan.

There must also be some recognition from the government that those high energy prices while bolstering the government’s finances are a very significant challenge to Saskatchewan people.  Families, agricultural producers, small business and seniors are facing those same high prices at the pumps and on their utility bills.  This winter will present significant financial challenges for those on fixed incomes.

There must be a plan to share in this energy wealth with Saskatchewan people as well as a longer term view of how it can benefit the province as a whole.

We have already offered some suggestions on debt reduction and a break at the pumps for Saskatchewan drivers. But I would like to hear from you.  If you have some thoughts or ideas on what should be done with this windfall (that looks to have some staying power as energy prices are expected to remain high for sometime) please contact my office.

So Much Potential for Saskatchewan

Not long ago I had the honour of being invited by Alberta Premier Ralph Klein to attend the Global Business Forum organized annually by the Alberta Economic Development Authority.

The conference included panel discussions on the amazing potential of jurisdictions that produce oil and gas and other energy sources.  The discussion also revolved around the future of Canada and specifically western Canada’s trading opportunities and challenges with the United States and significantly with Asian countries.  Panelists included  Deborah Wince-Smith (President of the Council on Competitiveness in Washington D.C.), Joseph Caron, (Canada’s Ambassador to Japan), Haruhito Takeda (Vice-Chairman and President of Fujitsu Ltd.), The Honourable John Manley (former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada) and Clive Mather (President and CEO of Shell Canada Limited).

I was privileged and surprised to be the only participant from Saskatchewan; but I left with renewed optimism about the potential role Saskatchewan can play in a world economy that is increasing in great demand of energy.  I am also optimistic that Saskatchewan can significantly benefit from the oil sands but only if we have a provincial government prepared to do the work to develop a plan for this huge opportunity.  As far as I can tell from speaking with the companies involved in the oil sands, the NDP government has no such plans.

Neither do they seem to grasp that in order to take advantage of all of the opportunities currently available to a resource-rich jurisdiction like Saskatchewan, we will need a government that has a powerful vision for our province and an economic plan that has the fundamentals right. Those fundamentals included reducing taxes on growth (we have the highest taxes on capital/investment in the country), competitive labour laws and a government that understands its role is not to pick winners and losers in the economy but rather to provide a positive business climate, infrastructure and improved education and training for a skilled labour force.

This is simply not forthcoming from the current NDP government.  One year ago at the University of Saskatchewan I released an economic vision paper and plan for our province’s potential.  Check it out if you are interested on our website at www.skcaucus.com and provide me your feedback.

How Could We Be Losing Population?

The latest population figures show Saskatchewan is still losing population while the NDP government says we are on a roll.  Nevermind Alberta – Manitoba is eating our lunch.  Over the last year while we have lost almost 200 taxpayers, while Manitoba has gained 7700.  With all our resources we should be out-performing Manitoba, and not just on the football field.

How could this be happening?  Please see above.

NEXT MONTH:  Agriculture producers facing the crunch.  What is the provincial  or the federal government doing?

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