As Premier of Saskatchewan, a province that currently has no representation within your caucus, I would like to ensure that the voices and priorities of Saskatchewan people are being represented as your government prepares to deliver a Throne Speech on September 23, 2020. 聽
Throughout the pandemic, your government has committed billions of dollars to support Canadians through the economic and financial hardship, yet residents of Saskatchewan continue to be inequitably impacted by hundreds of millions of dollars in added costs from the federal carbon tax.
It is clear that our governments disagree on the constitutionality of this tax, but we should agree that now is not the time for Canadians to be faced with increasing and arbitrary costs. While the Supreme Court of Canada will soon be hearing arguments regarding the constitutionality of this tax, on behalf of Saskatchewan people, I request that this inequitable tax be paused until a time at which the Supreme Court has rendered a decision.
Your government has stated its intention to present an 鈥渁mbitious green agenda鈥� in the Throne Speech. While all Canadians would support a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, there is significant concern that your 鈥渁mbitious green agenda鈥� is code for shutting down our energy industry, a major driver of Canada鈥檚 economy.
I would hope that your government will provide a strong commitment to ensuring the future of a sustainable gas and oil sector in the upcoming Throne Speech.聽
There is also more that can be done to address climate change in partnership with provincial governments. Together with the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and soon Alberta, our government is prioritizing the research and deployment of nuclear Small Modular Reactors in order to provide zero-emission power over the coming years.
A federal commitment to support this initiative would be an important step in advancing the deployment of this technology.
Saskatchewan has also advanced a 10-year, $4 billion plan to double the amount of irrigable land in our province. We appreciate the endorsement of the federal government through the recently released Western Economic Development Canada study of the economic and environmental potential of this generational project.
Long-term federal funding to support this multi-year, multi-phase construction project would be a significant investment in the economic and environmental health of Saskatchewan.
The Government of Saskatchewan has prioritized economic stimulus through our two-year, $7.5 billion infrastructure plan to build a strong Saskatchewan. Much of this funding is intended to leverage the current funding envelopes of the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Since March 1, only three municipal projects worth roughly $3.8 million have been approved for funding by your government.
Meanwhile, an additional 123 municipal projects representing over $590 million of infrastructure spending are awaiting approval from the federal government.
Many of these projects are 鈥渟hovel ready鈥� as requested by your government, yet the time to put shovels in the ground has come and gone as construction season in Saskatchewan nears its end. It is greatly concerning that these projects, representing real jobs and real investment in communities, have sat on a desk for months waiting for approval.
Lastly, the federal government must take action to address the inequities that exist with federal transfers. Provinces and territories agree that the Canada Health Transfer is not serving its intended purpose and the upcoming virtual meeting to discuss the shortcomings of the federal health transfer will be a positive step. However, there is also consensus that the Fiscal Stabilization Program is broken and Western Canadians have legitimate, longstanding concerns regarding the federal equalization formula.
A discussion on the shortfalls of one federal transfer will not compensate for the broken programs of equalization and fiscal stabilization that are currently in place. It is irresponsible for the federal government to continue to ignore these long-standing concerns, while simultaneously putting forward policies that threaten the wealth-generating industries of the very provinces that currently fund these programs. 聽
Through addressing these priorities in the upcoming Throne Speech, your government would be taking meaningful steps to address the priorities of Saskatchewan people. Importantly, addressing these priorities would also be significant in addressing the sentiments of western alienation that exists amongst many Saskatchewan residents and Western Canadians.
As the Throne Speech will lead to a confidence vote in the House of Commons, I am copying the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament for their information, as they decide whether to support your government.
Sincerely, Premier Scott Moe.
