The Saskatchewan Party for the Rosthern-Shellbrook constituency held a fundraising dinner Sept. 1 in the community of Leask.
Saskatchewan Party candidate Scott Moe expressed his opinion of looking forward to being a part of the majority government and part of the decision-making process that will lead Saskatchewan into a productive and progressive four years.
"Saskatchewan is such an exciting place to live and do business, our economy is prospering and we have a very wide range of employment opportunities and economic development possibilities," commented Moe.
Political colleagues in attendance included Tim McMillan (Minister Responsible for Crown Investments Corporation, Information Technology Office, Information Services Corporation, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and Saskatchewan Development Fund Corporation, and MLA for Lloydminster) and Nadine Wilson who, in 2009, was appointed as Legislative Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Immigration, New Citizen Initiative. She also serves as Chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and is a member of the Standing Committee on the Economy. MLAs Jeremy Harrison and Victoria Jergens were unable to attend the event.
Keynote speaker for the evening was Paul Martin whose work has been seen and heard in Saskatchewan's media since the 1970s. Martin's coverage specializes in the business and political scene and, with the opportunity to have traveled with his career, he has developed a unique perspective on the role of Saskatchewan and Canada in the global market.
Martin addressed the guests and presented a perspective on where the province's economy is.
"Saskatchewan has been booming for five years now," says Martin, "after five years it is no longer considered a boom but rather the norm."
Saskatchewan's economy is driven by what Martin calls the three 'f's': food, fuel, fertilizer. His research has indicated that the result is due to the profound change in India and China. The two countries are witnessing the emergence of the middle class resulting in demand for a better diet, therefore putting production pressure on the producers.
Martin went on to explain that Saskatchewan is the second largest producer of oil in Canada. He indicated that Saskatchewan is just a small percentage away from being the largest conventional oil producer.
According to Martin's research, the world demand for potash continues to grow as China becomes the biggest purchaser. Another interesting fact that Martin pointed out was in relation to a question that we are not charging enough for our potash. We charge twice as much as our nearest competitor.
Martin concluded his presentation with some 'food for thought'. Saskatchewan is the province least dependent on exports to the United States and the most dependent on world trade. Saskatchewan is the world's most successful global trader.
In relation to the long-term growth pattern, Saskatchewan is in the global 'sweet spot' with food, fuel and fertilizer in world-class volume.
"Saskatchewan's future is bright, we just need to keep our head straight," commented Martin, explaining that for so long we, living in Saskatchewan, took our brightest, smartest, best, strongest and most successful and belittled them whenever they succeeded. It appeared that Saskatchewanians disliked success and were envious of others when they would succeed. "It's about our belief in ourselves. We are going to miss the opportunity presented to us, the world will come along and buy us out and then we will say 'the world took us over'!"
Paul Martin's message was accepted and discussed during and following the catered supper.
