September 25, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Saskatchewan economic tribunal says federal oil and gas cap would cause economic damage

The Saskatchewan Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal has analyzed the controversial proposed federal emissions cap and methane regulations. The tribunal was formed last year and has authority under the Saskatchewan First Act.

The tribunal, struck by Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre, says by 2050, with production caps and methane mandates in place, Saskatchewan's oil production would fall by between 38 and 52 percent, the province would face cumulative royalty and tax revenue losses of between $4.8 and $7.1 billion, and total lost government revenues would be up to $43.3 billion, according to the independent Report.

"The Tribunal has, in several cases, relied on the same experts as the federal government and presented undeniable, quantitative data that these two federal mandates would be economically devastating to Saskatchewan," Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. “These mandates will lead to industrial winners and losers across the country and represent a sweeping constitutional overreach into the province's exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources. This report arms us with additional, independent evidence to constitutionally challenge the two mandates."

The government added that the report also found that, with these federal mandates in place, Saskatchewan’s economy would contract by 4.3 percent by 2030, by 6.4 percent by 2050, and that there would be a cumulative GDP impact by 2050 of $230 billion. Employment losses by 2050, relative to the status quo, would range from between 12,800 and 34,000 people.

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Beck raises concerns with overcrowded Regina school

A Regina elementary school has been forced to convert unconventional spaces into classrooms to accommodate a growing number of students. A surge in enrolment has forced Jack Mackenzie School to turn the library, dance studio and staff lounge into classrooms.

On Twitter, NDP leader Carla Beck said, “This is unacceptable. Scott Moe and the Sask. Party fund students at the lowest rate in the entire country. Why should Saskatchewan students have less opportunity? It’s time for change. It’s time to get Saskatchewan education out of last place.”

“We’re adding about 800 students any given year, so this obviously puts pressure on existing infrastructure,” Mark Haarmann, the Regina Public School director of education, said. “Eight hundred kids is about the size of an elementary school. Growth is a thing that we’re working very hard to manage with the city and the province but it’s difficult to keep up.”

The school is slated to have portable classrooms online by January.

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Grain farmers are urging intervention as Metro Vancouver terminal workers strike

Canada's grain farmers say a strike at Metro Vancouver terminals would cripple crop exports if it were allowed to take place - not great news as Saskatchewan farmers wrap up harvest.

The Grain Growers of Canada stated that it is "deeply concerned" about a potential strike of grain workers in Metro Vancouver since about 52 percent of all Canadian-grown grain went to those terminals last year. Grain farmers say a strike would "halt nearly 100,000 metric tonnes" of commodities arriving each day, potentially costing $35 million daily in lost exports.

The Vancouver Terminal Elevators Association says affected operations include Viterra's Cascadia and Pacific Terminals, Richardson International Terminal, Cargill Limited Terminal, G3 Terminal Vancouver and Alliance Grain Terminal, all located in Vancouver and North Vancouver.

Grain Workers Local 333 said it's up to the employer to offer a proposal for a new contract. It says it sent the VTEA a contract last Thursday, and the employer indicated it had no counteroffer. "Your union will not bargain against itself," the union said. "We will await their proposal if and when it comes and respond accordingly." 

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Daniel Smith Proposes Amended Alberta Bill of Rights

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her government will introduce amendments to Alberta’s Bill of Rights when the session resumes in November.

The Bill of Rights would include “the right over their vaccinations and all medical decisions”, “no Albertan can be deprived of their property without legal due process and just compensation”, and “defend the right to acquire, keep, and use firearms.”

On social media, Smith said, “In a few weeks, our UCP Government will be introducing legislation to amend and strengthen the Alberta Bill of Rights, a document that has stood as a safeguard for our civil liberties and freedoms for decades. These changes are a reaffirmation of the values that make Alberta one of the freest jurisdictions on earth. They are about protecting our rights, our freedoms, and our way of life. We are sending a clear message that in Alberta, the rights of individuals are paramount, and that government must respect those rights at every turn.”

The Saskatchewan Bill of Rights came into force on 1 May 1947, enacted by Tommy Douglas. Saskatchewan was the first in the country, even pre-dating the Canadian Bill of Rights passed in 1960.

Political issues often overlap between provinces. The Saskatchewan NDP campaign director told the media that some policies reflect those of the Manitoba NDP victory last year. The SKoop will cover all campaign promises leading up to the general election.

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More news and info

• On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Trudeau says he understands Canadian 'frustration' (CBC News)

• Conservatives 42, Liberals 25, NDP 21 Jobs/economy and inflation top concerns (Nanos)

• Roughriders say new logo designed by Saskatoon artist commissioned as act of truth and reconciliation (CBC Sask.)

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