Saskatchewan and TILMA

[Oscar]

Published in the Wadena News on June 4, 2008

To the Editor:

Pressure is on to sign TILMA!

From its “Public Agenda”, one sees that Wyoming Governor Fruendthal and US Ambassador to Canada Wilkins will be special guests at the Western Premiers’ Conference (WPC) in Prince Albert on May 28-30, and will join in discussions on “the border and energy security and supply”.

In April, 2008, a delegation, including Ambassador Wilkins, representing the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), was in Saskatchewan (and Alberta) for two days of meetings with elected representatives and senior officials of the provincial government. PNWER, consisting of Yukon, Alberta, BC, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Alaska and Idaho, has a trading base of some 20 million people and a GNP of $700 billion.

Then, on May 21, 2008, Premier Wall went looking for funds from his ‘big oil’ friends in Alberta, bringing home pockets full of money and promises to keep the royalties on our oil low. Did he also bring marching orders to sign on to TILMA – that secret Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement signed by BC and Alberta on April Fool’s Day, 2006 – an agreement that’s so good that no one, including the media, is talking about it?

TILMA’s goal in life is to ‘grease the skids’ of the next stage of NAFTA, the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), and the ultimate loss of our sovereignty through integration into the one-currency, one-flag, one-world mentality of the North American Union (NAU). Once signed, TILMA forces local governments to bring provincial regulations down to the lowest common denominator, region by region, bringing the entire country into compliance with Canada’s international trade agreements. . . all dictated by the blind need of huge corporations for continued wealth.

Through public consultations in June, 2006, Saskatchewan people told the government that TILMA was a bad deal and then-Premier Calvert declined to sign on to this unconstitutional ‘integration by stealth’. Even Mr. Wall announced that the Sask Party would not sign onto TILMA “in its current form”, (incorrectly) thinking that the terms of TILMA can be negotiated.

So, does Premier Wall now have the courage, wisdom and leadership to honour the wishes of the people of Saskatchewan and say “No to TILMA”…or will he cave in to PNWER?

Any bets?

Elaine Hughes
Archerwill, SK

[Oscar]

Premier goes one better than signing on to TILMA

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoe ... f9d46c61e6

The StarPhoenix Published: Monday, July 28, 2008

We now know why Premier Brad Wall has said he wouldn't sign Saskatchewan on to the secret Trade, Investment, Labour and Mobility Agreement signed by British Columbia and Alberta in 2007 -- so secret that neither their public nor MLAs knew anything about TILMA or understood its implications until it was too late.

All along, Wall knew he had bigger fish to fry.

Without asking Saskatchewan residents, Wall has signed on the province to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, joining B.C., Alberta, the Yukon, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. The are all equally bent on increasing their corporate wealth and all part of NAFTA, the Security and Prosperity Partnership and the integration of the U.S., Mexico and Canada into one big North American Union family, sharing our precious resources and keeping their corporate friends happy.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Bill Boyd's news release says: "It is imperative that Saskatchewan build on its existing trading relationships and develop new ones in order to sustain and strengthen the province's current economic momentum ... Joining PNWER provides an opportunity to work alongside northwestern states and provinces to identify and manage challenges to present and future growth opportunities."

So, we keep the good times rolling!

Will we now see how the government plans to share Saskatchewan's nuclear power, for example, with those provinces and states (and others), or is it our water they'll get? Or both?

Our great grandchildren will curse us for what we did.

Elaine Hughes
Archerwill

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

[Oscar]

Sent for publishing on June 29, 2007

Dear Editor

…keeping his eye on the ball!

Don’t be fooled by Sask Party’s sudden about-face on signing TILMA, the backroom deal that supposedly will bring Saskatchewan all sorts of prosperity.

Party Leader, Brad Wall is simply going for gold in the big league!

In the June 28, 2007 Sask Party’s Press Release, Mr. Wall stated that he prefers “other modes of western economic cooperation including Saskatchewan’s involvement in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) and he has already indicated that a Saskatchewan party government would hold joint cabinet meetings with other western provinces to explore opportunities to cooperate in areas such as health care equipment and pharmaceutical purchaces.”

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) (http://www.pnwer.org/) covers nearly one-quarter of the US land mass and is home to approximately 11 million people. It is a collection of state and provincal delegates from Alberta, BC, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho arranged into Executive Committees and Councils. It also includes the Seattle Office of the Consulate General of Canada (http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/s ... g_update=1 ).

PNWER also has nine Working Groups focussed on such issues as Olympics 2010, Energy (translate ‘Canadian oil’), Health Care “innovations policies and best practices . . . to increase access and effective care while reducing health care costs as well as drug importation issues” (is that the same as private for-profit health care championed by Brian Day who becomes the new President of the Canadian Medical Association in August, 2007?), a Water Policy to “address important regional water issues such as the renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty” (as in bulk water exports?), and to explore “the possibility of expanding the BC-Alberta Trade, Investment and Labor Mobility Agreement concept throughout the PNWER region” - TILMA!

PNWER enjoys sponsorship from many big league multinationals such as ENBRIDGE, Telus, CN Rail, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Capital Health Edmonton Area, Canadian Western Bank Group, and many others. And, since PNWER’s mission is “to increase the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region” - in other words, to make more money for corporations – Mr. Wall’s letting go of Saskatchewan’s signing of the controversial TILMA is no big deal when his ultimate goal is to play ball in the big league.

Elaine Hughes
Archerwill, SK

================================

Sask Party rejects TILMA - Friday, June 29, 2007

http://larryhubich.blogspot.com/2007/06 ... tilma.html

On Thursday, June 28, 2006, the Sask. Party announced they would not sign the B.C./Alberta Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) in it's current form. They acknowledged the agreement raises significant concerns and many unanswered questions.

You can thank the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, Council of Canadians, Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives, many Unions and numerous other individuals and groups for shedding enough light on the terrible TILMA scheme that it's flaws were sufficiently exposed for all to see.

This, inspite of a blatant and continuing media bias in favour of this anti-democratic corporate bill of rights. Joe Kuchta over at the "Owls and Roosters Blog" has done a great critique of a recent article which appeared in the National Post.

KNOW TILMA!

===============================================

Saskatchewan Party Responds to TILMA Report
Wall Says He Would Not Sign Agreement in Its Present Form

http://www.skcaucus.com/newsroom.html?p ... 189EBB71FF

Thursday - June 28, 2007

REGINA-Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall today said a Saskatchewan Party government would work to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers through negotiations with BC, Alberta and other provinces, but would not sign the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) in its present form.

Wall was responding to the recent release of a report by an all-party legislative committee examining TILMA.

“The Saskatchewan Party strongly supports the reduction of inter-provincial trade barriers as a means to grow Saskatchewan’s economy and create new jobs,” Wall said. “It is very unfortunate that Saskatchewan’s NDP government did not take part in the original TILMA negotiations with BC and Alberta.

“As a result, the Saskatchewan Party would not sign TILMA in its present form since our province had no part in negotiating its terms.”

Wall said the Opposition’s own research and the TILMA hearings raised specific concerns about three areas which are not clearly addressed in the current TILMA agreement:

1. The protection of Crown Corporations;
2. The exemption of provincial new growth tax incentives; and
3. The potential loss of new growth tax incentives at the municipal level.

Wall said he was also concerned about the lack of formal input from Saskatchewan cities, who are awaiting a TILMA assessment report scheduled for the end of this year.

“Our Enterprise Saskatchewan plan for the economy involves direct input from stakeholders including the municipal sector,” Wall said. “How could we enter into a major trade and investment agreement without their formal input and assessment?

“Our goal would be to negotiate trade agreements with BC, Alberta and other provinces that reduce trade barriers while protecting these three important areas,” Wall said. “We know that Alberta and BC officials have indicated that having Saskatchewan sign on without any revisiting of the agreement would not make sense for those two provinces either.”

Wall said he prefers other modes of western economic cooperation including Saskatchewan’s involvement in the Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER) and he has already indicated that a Saskatchewan Party government would hold joint cabinet meetings with other western provinces to explore opportunities to cooperate in areas such as health care equipment and pharmaceutical purchases.

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For further information: Saskatchewan Party Caucus, Regina, 787-4300

[Oscar]

http://owlsandroosters.blogspot.com/200 ... ol-of.html

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

TILMA: Alberta-Saskatchewan Protocol of Cooperation eerily similar to Oct. 2003 BC-Alberta agreement that led to controversial trade deal

“Alberta has been holding annual joint cabinet meetings with British Columbia since 2003.

Talks started there led directly to the signing of the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between the two provinces.”
– Alberta and Saskatchewan’s first-ever cabinet meeting will focus on energy issues (The Edmonton Journal, Sept. 4, 2008)

With the signing of the Alberta-Saskatchewan Protocol of Cooperation the distance between TILMA – or something like it – and Saskatchewan Party Premier Brad Wall signing on has gotten considerably shorter. The road Wall is beginning to take the province down appears to be similar to the one BC and Alberta took several years ago.

At their first joint cabinet meeting on Oct. 8, 2003, in Calgary, BC and Alberta signed a Protocol of Cooperation. The purpose of the agreement was “to confirm the commitments between the jurisdictions to develop cooperative measures and agreements and to demonstrate leadership in Canada through:

– Exploring opportunities for joint initiatives that can expand provincial trade and investment opportunities;

– Pursuing joint initiatives to promote greater government efficiencies and reduce the cost of public services;

– Identifying best practices and innovations, as well as sharing expertise, in program development and service delivery, and

– Working cooperatively to influence the federal government’s policies and decisions in areas of mutual interest.”

The areas of cooperation included education, post-secondary education, health care, and children’s services; enhancing the effectiveness of public-private partnerships to improve service; supporting infrastructure development and economic development in the areas of transportation, energy, agriculture, tourism, and other industries.

“The parties will explore opportunities to harmonize regulatory frameworks, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic development,” the agreement states.

Coordination and implementation of the Protocol was to be achieved by an Alberta/British Columbia Steering Committee, chaired by the provinces’ Cabinet Secretaries, which would “be responsible for ensuring the intent of the Agreement is fulfilled, and for recommending any subsequent agreements to the Premiers.”

“The Steering Committee will recommend management procedures for the implementation of the agreement. The Steering Committee may establish working groups for mutually agreed upon priority issues. A work plan, including objectives, timelines, and reporting and review mechanisms, will be developed by each working group,” the agreements states.

The duration of the Protocol was for a period of five years or until terminated by either party with six months written notice.

The BC-Alberta Protocol of Cooperation led directly to the creation of the BC-Alberta Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).

At their second joint cabinet meeting on May 26, 2004, in Prince Rupert, BC, the two provinces signed five agreements including the Alberta-B.C. Internal Trade Framework Agreement designed to “break down barriers to trade and investment” with the goal being “to increase competition and lower costs for businesses, consumers and government.”

Also signed that day was the MOU on Oil and Gas “to harmonize regulations for the oil and gas sector, and electricity transmission sector, to reduce industry costs, increase available investment, and advance economic development.”

On April 28, 2006, TILMA was signed without public consultation or legislative debate.

Throughout the balance of 2006 Saskatchewan Party Opposition Leader Brad Wall expressed support for TILMA without reservation constantly berating then NDP Premier Lorne Calvert for not being at the table and for not immediately signing the agreement.

Then, on June 28, 2007, just three months before the provincial election was called, that all changed when Wall suddenly flip-flopped saying a Saskatchewan Party government would not sign TILMA “in its present form.”

Wall cited three areas of specific concern: the protection of Crown Corporations; the exemption of provincial new growth tax incentives; and the potential loss of new growth tax incentives at the municipal level.

“Our goal would be to negotiate trade agreements with BC, Alberta and other provinces that reduce trade barriers while protecting these three important areas,” Wall said in a news release.

The Sept. 9, 2008, meeting in Lloydminister between Wall and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has set the table for future trade negotiations. The Sept. 3, 2008, news release announcing the meeting, however, did not mention that any type of agreement would be signed.

In the article Alta., Sask. government committees to meet in Lloydminster (StarPhoenix, Sept. 4, 2008) reporter James Wood said that Wall “acknowledged there would likely be no concrete agreements out of the meeting, which will be finished by 1:30 p.m., but described it as “setting the foundation for future progress.”

It appears that Wall’s statement was somewhat misleading because on Sept. 9 the two provinces signed the Alberta-Saskatchewan Protocol of Cooperation, an agreement which is eerily similar to the one signed by BC and Alberta nearly five years ago.

The purpose of the Protocol “is to promote cooperation between the provinces on matters of joint concern and mutual interest to the benefit of the citizens of Alberta and Saskatchewan” and “reflects common commitment to: Deliver high quality and efficient government services; Share expertise and best practices in the development and delivery of government programs; The expansion of national and international trade and the enhancement of a competitive investment environment; and Collaborating, in areas of shared interest, to ensure that the priorities of the citizens of Alberta and Saskatchewan are effectively advanced nationally and internationally.”

The “initial priority areas for potential collaboration” include Education, Post-Secondary Education, Health Care, Children’s Services, Safe and Secure Communities, Energy, Environmental Sustainability, Transportation, Agriculture, Economic Development, Research, Innovation, and Technology Development and Public-Private Partnerships for efficient delivery of infrastructure and services.

In addition to these are two of TILMA’s main components: the Reduction of Trade Barriers and Regulatory Harmonization.

“Where appropriate, the provinces will adopt measures and agreements developed and executed in a manner consistent with this Protocol,” the agreement states. [Emphasis added.]

The potential for extending the Protocol’s tentacles into other areas of the economy not already identified is made clear in Section 2.3, which states: “Further areas for collaboration may be identified through mutual agreement at any time throughout the duration of the Protocol.”

Like the earlier agreement signed by BC-Alberta the duration of the one between Saskatchewan and Alberta is for five years.

And like BC-Alberta a steering committee, co-chaired by the provinces’ Cabinet Secretaries, “will be responsible for ensuring the intent of the Protocol is fulfilled, and for recommending any subsequent agreements to Premiers.”

“Saskatchewan and Alberta will continue to take our own unique paths,” Wall said in the news release following the meeting. We’ll see about that.

After signing their Protocol of Cooperation it took BC and Alberta just seven months to develop and sign their internal trade framework agreement that led to TILMA. With the groundwork essentially laid and the fact that Wall and the Saskatchewan Party have made regular forays into Alberta over the years to meet with their provincial counterparts it shouldn’t be long before similar agreements are signed between the two provinces. Surely, Wall will want to get this done well before the next provincial election to be held on Nov. 7, 2011.

*UPDATE*

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is now on record as saying the province is pursuing a TILMA-like agreement with Alberta.

In Opposition, Wall initially endorsed TILMA unconditionally but later flip-flopped on the deal over concerns on how it could potentially affect Crown corporations and the ability of municipalities to provide tax incentives.

Fresh from talks with Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach at a joint Alberta-Saskatchewan cabinet committee meeting, Wall said those “non-negotiable” concerns are being allayed.

“What we lacked before was clarity; there just wasn’t a clear answer about the impact of TILMA on those things. It’s becoming a little more clear and I think you’ll see...we have a couple of options: A broader agreement or file-by-file agreements with Alberta to reduce trade barriers and increase labour mobility,” Wall told reporters.

Wall downplayed the possibility of an agreement including B.C., although he did not categorically rule out having TILMA on the table if all Saskatchewan’s concerns are dealt with. [Sask. pursues TILMA-like agreement (StarPhoenix, Sept. 12, 2008)]

The Saskatchewan Party government has not released any information detailing what the Alberta government said that would cause Wall's fears to be “allayed.”

In an Apr. 3, 2007, Saskatchewan Party news release Wall said that Saskatchewan is “the lowest cost jurisdiction...with fewer trade barriers and restrictions than either B.C. or Alberta.”

It remains unclear what trade barriers and restrictions are still left that would require something as far reaching and heavy-handed as TILMA or something similar.

[Oscar]

TILMA and Deregulation: The recent meltdown of world financial institutions has given us reason to put a more focused light on TILMA.

Posted By Valerie Mushinski, Nipawin

November 13, 2008

TILMA and Deregulation

The recent meltdown of world financial institutions has given us reason to put a more focused light on TILMA.

The primary cause of this financial crisis is the lack of regulations on financial institutions. Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of Federal US Reserve, admitted he was "partially wrong" in his hands-off approach towards banking. Governments across the world are demanding that the financial institutions be regulated. Yet British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell is actually pushing for even more financial deregulation.

Campbell is lobbying other provinces to sign onto the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA). TILMA makes a broad range of government regulations vulnerable to challenge, including regulations over the financial sector. TILMA has a clause which makes any new regulations on financial services that get in the way of investment would be a violation, potentially subject to a $5 million penalty.

Existing financial regulations will also be open to challenges under TILMA if they restrict investment. There is nothing in TILMA to exempt regulations designed to ensure the stability of the financial system. TILMA has no safeguards to protect regulations from challenges by investors.

Alberta and British Columbia are the only TILMA signatories. The Yukon recently said no, as have all other provinces either by act or omission. Most seem to have decided the agreement is too radical.

As of April 1, 2009, all existing British Columbia and Alberta regulations over financial institutions and products will be challengeable under TILMA — never mind these provinces ever trying to introduce new financial reforms.

Quebec recently introduced derivative regulations. Warren Buffett refers to derivatives as "financial weapons of mass destruction." If Quebec had signed on to TILMA it would not have been able to introduce these regulations.

Hopefully Saskatchewan will have the prudence and foresight not to sign the TILMA agreement.

Valerie Mushinski, Nipawin

[Oscar]

News Release - November 18, 2008

ENTERPRISE SASKATCHEWAN LAUNCHES SECTOR TEAMS

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=9aa7ca ... c3688d76d9

Enterprise Saskatchewan has taken a major step forward in the development of private sector participation in economic development in Saskatchewan.

Today Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart officially launched 18 sector teams that are generally comprised of nine members each, specifically dedicated to an economic sector of the Saskatchewan economy.

"These sector teams will be pivotal in positioning Saskatchewan as a jurisdiction that is competitive, investment friendly, enterprising and entrepreneurial," Stewart said. "Saskatchewan's economy is on a roll, and we need to identify and seize opportunities now in order to keep pushing our competitive envelope. Sector team members represent the key elements of important sectors of our economy and bring valuable expertise to the decision-making table."

Sector teams will provide a new forum to enhance industry/government communication and collaboration in developing policies to build on competitive advantages and reduce barriers to growth to ensure that the province's key economic sectors grow and flourish.

"Our Premier has tasked Enterprise Saskatchewan to develop strategy and recommend action to move Saskatchewan forward on a sustainable growth agenda," Stewart said. "This is the ultimate participation model for private sector involvement."

Sector Team chairs will meet with Premier Brad Wall, along with the Enterprise Saskatchewan Board for the first time today at a luncheon at the Legislative Building in Regina.

For a complete list of sectors, sector team memberships and chairpersons, and Sector Team Charters, see the attached background documents.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: joanne.johnson@gov.sk.ca

Related Documents

7499-ES Sector Team Names.pdf (34.1 KB)
http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMed ... &PN=Shared

Sector Teams
Agriculture
Mr. Gerrid Gust, Chair Farmer
Mr. Dwayne Anderson Fosstan
Mr. Everette Bear Muskoday First Nation
Mr. Maurice Berry Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Ms. Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel Western Canadian Wheat Growers
Mr. Gary Jones Crane Valley, Beef Rancher
Mr. Kenton Possberg Possberg Grain Farms Inc.
Mr. David Sefton Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission
Mr. Doug Steele Paterson Grain Terminal

Agri-Value
Mr. Tim Wiens, Chair O & T Farms
Mr. Murad Al-katib Saskan Pulse Trading
Ms. Chanetelle Donahue Prairie Malt
Mr. Gene Dupuis Prairie Meats
Mr. Kelly Edigar Drake Meats
Mr. Terry Helary Northern Lights/Kitsaki Meats
Mr. Paul Rogers Saskatchewan Meat Processors/SJ Irvine Fine Foods
Mr. Darryl Schneider Saskatchewan Food Processors Association
Mr. Tom Steve Viterra

Alternative Energies & Environmental Industries
Mr. Gavin Koyl, Chair Ducks Unlimited
Mr. Sean Frisky Ground Effects Environmental Services Inc.
Mr. Jon Gillies Saskatchewan Environmental industry and Managers Assoc.
Ms. Val Jakubowski Consulting Engineers of Saskatchewan
Mr. Peter Klaptchuk Ozonator Industries
Mr. John Lee Communities of Tomorrow
Mr. Todd Pugsley Department of Chemical Engineering
Mr. Peter Vanriel Canada North Environmental Services Ltd.

Arts & Culture
Ms. Susanne Bell, Chair SaskFilm
Dr. Greg Argue HJ Linnen and Associates
Mr. Bob Crowe Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association
Ms. Kate Davis MacKenzie Art Gallery
Ms. Donna Heimbecker Sask. Native Theatre Company
Ms. Nicki Kiteley Persephone Theatre
Mr. Mike McNaughton Twisted Pair Sound Ltd.
Mr. Donny Parenteau Musician
Mr. Victor Sawa Regina Symphony Orchestra

Biofuels and Bio-Products
Mr. Brad Wildeman, Chair Poundmaker Ventures Inc.
Mr. Vince Chin Husky Oil
Ms. Judie Dyck Saskatchewan Biofuels Development Council
Mr. Zenith Faye Milligan Bio-Tech Inc.
Mr. Ron Kehrig Ag-West Bio Inc.
Mr. Tim LaFrance Terra Grain Fuels
Mr. John Leir North West BioEnergy
Mr. Gerald Rewerts North West BioEnergy
Mr. Mike Shenher Canadian Green Fuels Inc.

Commercialization and R&D Services
Mr. Randall Morris, Chair Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Ms. Anne Ballantyne National Research Council of Canada
Ms. Susan Gorges Springboard West Innovations Inc.
Mr. David Gullacher Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
Dr. Grant Isaac Edwards School of Business
Dr. Murray McLaughlin Canadian Light Source Inc.
Dr. Laurier Schramm Saskatchewan Research Council
Ms. Laura Small Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.

Construction & Land Development
Mr. Ron Shirkey, Q.C., Chair Shirkey & Company
Mr. Muir Barber Pinnacle Developments Inc.
Mr. Allan Didur Realty Executives
Mr. Eric Ericson Saskatchewan Construction Association
Mr. Perry Friesen Westridge Construction Ltd.
Mr. Dale Griesser Avison Young
Ms. Rosanne Hill-Blaisdell Harvard Developments Inc.
Mr. Tom McClocklin Colliers International - Saskatoon
Mr. Paul McLellan Alliance Energy Ltd.

Co-operatives
Mr. Jim Deane, Chair Access Communications Co-operative
Mr. Beryl Bauer Saskatchewan Co-operative Association
Mr. Warren Crossman Saskatchewan Co-operative Association
Ms. Mary Flynn Regina Community Clinic
Mr. George Keter Affinity Credit Union
Ms. Marilyn McKee Federated Co-operatives Limited
Mr. Pieter McNair Kelvington Credit Union
Mr. Cyrus Standing Wahpeton Dakota Nation
Mr. Robert Therrien Conseil de la Cooperation de la Saskatchewan

Energy
Mr. Mick MacBean, Chair Diamond Energy Services
Mr. Derrick Big Eagle Eagle Drilling Services Ltd.
Mr. Brent Dunnigan Arista Energy Limited
Mr. Jim Goldmann Alliance Pipeline
Mr. Steve Halabura North Rim Exploration
Mr. John Jenkins TransCanada
Ms. Brenda Kenny Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
Mr. Tony Marino Baytex Energy Trust
Mr. Roger Soucy Petroleum Services Association of Canada

Financial Services
Mr. Keith Martel, Chair First Nations Bank
Mr. Ken Anderson SaskCentral
Ms. Colleen Bessel Scotiabank
Mr. Drew Byers Butler Byers Insurance Ltd.
Mr. Roland W. Duplessis Clarence Campeau Development Fund
Mr. Ernie Gaschler Insurance Brokers Association
Mr. Rob Rongve RBC Dominion
Mr. Bill Shupe W. Shupe and Company
Mr. Abe Toews StoneCreek Financial Group

Forestry
Mr. Bob Romanchuk, Chair Aallcann Wood Suppliers Inc.
Mr. Allen Brander NorSask Forest Products Inc.
Mr. Jim Dangerfield FPInnovations Canada
Mr. Dave Harmon Council of Saskatchewan Forest Industries
Mr. Trevor Ives Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Mr. Travis Kiel Meadow Lake OSB
Mr. Guy Lariviere Canoe Lake First Nation
Mr. Mervin Schneider Deloitte & Touche
Mr. Perry Vermette Independent Forest Operators of Saskatchewan

Home Building
Mr. Hank Starno, Chair Manufactures Homes Association of Saskatchewan
Mr. Terry Alm Realty Executives Saskatoon
Chief Helen Benn Meadow Lake Tribal Council
Mr. Gerry Kerr SRI Homes
Ms. Colleen Mah North Ridge Realty Ltd.
Mr. Ron Olson Boychuk Homes
Mr. Tom Shepherd Dundee Realty
Mr. Alan Thomarat Saskatoon & Region Homebuilders Association Inc.
Mr. Ervin Wolfe Becker Homes (2006) Ltd.

Information Technology
Mr. Dale Lemke, Chair Display Systems International Inc.
Mr. Rene Carpentier Paradigm Consulting Group Inc.
Dr. David Dodds University of Saskatchewan
Mr. Ryan Lejbak ZU.com
Mr. Dave Luterbach TMC Technology Management Corporation
Mr. Dave Pettigrew IBM Canada Ltd.
Mr. Don Prokopetz Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association
Mr. David Schroeder TRLabs Saskatchewan
Mr. Hugh Woods Vecima Networks Inc.

Life Sciences and Biotechnology
Mr. Joe Vidal, Chair Bioriginal Food and Science Corporation
Ms. Maura Davies Saskatoon Health Region
Mr. Malcolm Devine Performance Plants Inc.
Mr. Jerome Konecsni National Research Council
Dr. Perry Lidster AgWest Bio Inc.
Mr. Robert Morgan POS Pilot Plant Corporation
Dr. Andrew Potter Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
Mr. Calvin Sonntag Novozymes BioAg

Manufacturing
Mr. Ray Malinowski, Chair Leon's Manufacturing Company Inc.
Mr. Terry Bergan International Road Dynamics Inc.
Mr. Gerry Bourgault Bourgault Industries Ltd.
Mr. Tom Foster Industrial Machine and Manufacturing
Mr. Tom Kischuk Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd.
Mr. Gurcan Kocdag Doepker Industries
Mr. Brian McCready Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Mr. Nathan Stobbe Cover-All Building Systems Inc.
Ms. Carol Vibert Harvest Services (1995) Ltd.

Minerals
Mr. Gay Patrick, Chair Saskatchewan Potash Producers Association Inc.
Mr. Kelly Babichuk Whitemud Resources Inc.
Mr. Jim Engdahl Great Western Minerals Group Ltd.
Mr. Ken MacNeill Shore Gold
Mr. Rod McEachern Potash Corporation
Ms. MaryAnn Mihychuk HudBay Minerals Inc.
Ms. Pam Schwann Saskatchewan Mining Association
Mr. Alan Solheim Kitsaki Management
Ms. Alice Wong Cameco Corporation

Tourism & Hospitality
Mr. Hugh Vassos, Chair Saskatoon Sports Tourism
Mr. Alvin Campeau Campeau Guiding Ltd.
Mr. Randy Fernets Tourism Saskatoon
Ms. Judy Harwood PR Developments
Ms. Carol Lumb Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council
Mr. Arnie Peterson Elk Ridge Resort
Mr. Lionel Sproule Semi-Retired, formerly on Tourism Industry Association Board
Mr. Andrew Turnbull Delta Bessborough
Ms. Karen Worobec RCMP Heritage Museum

Transportation & Logistics
Mr. Denis Prud’homme, Chair Saskatchewan Trucking Association
Ms. Gayleen Creelman Cargill Clavet
Mr. Roger Gadd Shortline Railways Association
Mr. Dennis Goll WestWind Aviation
Mr. David Hoppenreys CP Rail
Ms. Janet Keim Mitchinson Flying Service Ltd.
Mr. Glen Strong Athabasca Developments Association
Mr. Richard Wansbutter Viterra
Mr. Robert Weibe LCL Transportation

7499-Sector Team Development Plan.pdf (39.1 KB)
http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMed ... &PN=Shared

Sector Team Overview
1. Introduction

Saskatchewan is embarking upon a bold, innovative new approach to economic development by creating a special operating agency, the first of its kind in Canada, to bring together representation from all sectors of the economy to formulate strategy and prescribe action to propel the province forward on a sustainable growth agenda, leading to enhanced wealth and prosperity for Saskatchewan residents.

Enterprise Saskatchewan (ES) will be the focal point for establishing broad partnerships involving all levels of government, industry, labour, Aboriginal people, post secondary institutions, and other stakeholders dedicated to the goal of sustained economic growth.

Enterprise Saskatchewan and the collective partnerships will advance provincial economic development goals, strategies, and clear measurable targets for economic performance. In collaboration with industry and other partners, and with support from Executive Council, ministries, agencies, and Crown corporations, action will be taken to achieve the economic performance targets, encourage economic growth, and enhance the competitive position of our Province.

“Enterprise Saskatchewan will be organized and based on the key sectors of our economy. Its job, through sector participants, will be to identify, develop, and monitor competitive advantages and disadvantages in each sector and prescribe action.

"Reports will be public, and will add to the accountability of this and future governments when it comes to our stated objectives of being among the most competitive business climates in the country. In short, its role is to continually push the competitive envelope.” - Premier Brad Wall.

Sector Teams will be pivotal in helping to position Saskatchewan as a region internationally recognized as being competitive, investment friendly, enterprising, and entrepreneurial.

2. Goals

Government and all partners in economic growth will work collaboratively to promote prosperous, growing, and sustainable sectors through recommending policies and actions that:

• Reduce and remove disadvantages and barriers to growth
• Build on sector advantages
• Enhance competitiveness and productivity
• Encourage business creation, attraction, retention, and growth
• Increase adoption of new technology and processes
• Diversify and build the value-chain to strengthen clusters
• Reduce skills gaps and labour shortages
• Accelerate Aboriginal participation in all sectors
• Increase exports of goods and services
• Identify infrastructure challenges

Saskatchewan will be seen as a jurisdiction of choice for living, working, investing, and operating a business in the key sectors.

3. Sector Team Mandate

Through the Enterprise Saskatchewan Act, Sector Teams will be established to in the following sectors of Saskatchewan’s Economy:
• Agriculture
• Agri-Value
• Alternative Energies & Environmental Industries
• Arts & Culture
• Biofuels and Bio-Products
• Commercialization and R&D Services
• Construction & Land Development
• Co-operatives
• Energy
• Financial Services
• Forestry
• Home Building
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences and Biotechnology
• Manufacturing
• Minerals
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Transportation and Logistics
• Other sectors as may be prescribed at a future date.

Sector Teams will provide a new forum to enhance industry government communication and collaboration in developing policies to build on competitive advantages and reduce barriers to growth to ensure that the province’s key economic sectors grow and flourish. The Sector Teams will help to clarify the roles of government and other partners in growing each sector.

Sector Teams will identify goals and performance measurement indicators, and monitor and report on progress in achieving those goals.

While Enterprise Saskatchewan will play a lead role in facilitating economic growth, it will build on the existing work of various partners including industry associations, economic development organizations, agencies, ministries, and other stakeholders.

Each sector is unique, with some sectors having effective industry associations and existing industry-government partnerships. Enterprise Saskatchewan Sector Teams will collaborate with these organizations on common interests, building on, rather than duplicating efforts.

Enterprise Saskatchewan also will work closely with other ministries and agencies that have key sector responsibilities to coordinate the Sector Teams.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Sector Teams will be accountable for identifying and reporting on the barriers to growth, making recommendations to remove barriers, prescribing prioritized action, and reporting on the progress on an annual basis.

Each Sector Team, with support of Enterprise Saskatchewan staff, will:
• provide recommendations and advice for the removal and reduction of barriers to economic growth and the enhancement of competitive advantages;
• define a common long-term vision
• identify action plans based on the unique characteristics of each sector, and with consideration of existing research and strategic planning work that has already been done by other sector partners and associations;
• establish, measure, monitor, and report on performance indicators;
• report on progress to the ES Board; and
• re-evaluate goals and activities on an annual basis.

4. Sector Team Members
The sector teams will be comprised of approximately seven to nine members from their respective sector. These members:
• Will effectively represent their sector;
• Have a demonstrated track record of working collaboratively;
• Have proven leadership abilities;
• Understand economic development and factors influencing economic growth, particularly in their specific sector;
• Are innovative and forward looking;
• Have a variety of management skills and expertise;
• Balance corporate responsibility with economic growth;
• Will come from a mix of large and small business;
• Are clearly recognized by their peers as representatives for a sector; and
• Will wherever possible include members of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal community.
[/b]

[Oscar]

TILMA 2.0 - Premier must keep his promise to consult with the public

For Immediate Release April 22, 2010

Regina – Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall will be breaking his 2007 promise to the people of Saskatchewan not to sign the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) if he puts his signature to a rebranded version of the agreement. It appears that the New West Partnership will be signed with British Columbia (B.C.) and Alberta in the near future, without any public or legislative oversight.

In an open letter (see below) sent today to the Premier, over 30 groups and individuals called on the Premier to release the full text of the New West Partnership. These signatories made presentations in 2007 at the legislative hearings on TILMA, arguing that the government should reject the controversial interprovincial trade agreement. Today they called on the Premier to conduct a legislative review and full and transparent public hearings on any proposed New West Partnership.

“In June 2007, when he was leader of the opposition, Brad Wall listened to the overwhelming voices of the people of Saskatchewan and made the right decision in pledging that he wouldn’t sign on to TILMA,” says Larry Hubich, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour. “Now less than three years later he appears ready to sign a secret deal that nobody has seen, that appears to be based on TILMA, and he’s hoping the people of Saskatchewan will be fooled by a fresh coat of paint and a new name. I don’t think so.”

In 2007 over 70 organizations and individuals raised concerns about several provisions of TILMA , including those that would lower regulatory standards and that would implement a private tribunal for corporations to challenge provincial rules and standards.

“Saskatchewan was right to reject TILMA then, and it should reject a rebranded TILMA now,” adds Scott Harris, the Prairie Regional Organizer with the Council of Canadians. “Nothing has suddenly changed to make lowest-common-denominator regulations and standards good for Saskatchewan. Nothing has suddenly changed to make giving corporations the right to sue elected governments for millions of dollars for ‘impeding trade’ – decided on by unaccountable dispute panels – suddenly a good idea for Saskatchewan.”

“Handcuffing the ability of the province, municipalities, school boards and public enterprises to make decisions in the best interest of Saskatchewan flies in the face of democratic principles,” concludes Gary Schoenfeldt, chair of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Trade Committee. “The Premier has an obligation to show the people of Saskatchewan what’s in this new TILMA agreement before he signs anything. Both Brad Wall and Ken Krawetz are on record as saying they would never sign a TILMA agreement without first consulting with Saskatchewan people and we are asking them to keep their promise.”

The groups are asking when the three provinces plan to sign off on the New West Partnership.

In his February 9, 2010 Throne Speech, BC Premier Gordon Campbell stated that the “new west partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan … will build on the success of the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement” and on March 30, 2010 BC Liberal MLA Douglas Horne tabled a Notice of Motion saying, “Be it resolved that this House support the creation of the New West Partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan.”

For more information:

Larry Hubich, President, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour: (306) 537-7330

Gary Schoenfeldt, Chair, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Trade Committee: (306) 537-7091

Scott Harris, Prairies Regional Organizer, Council of Canadians: (780) 233-2528

= = = = = = =

April 22, 2010

OPEN LETTER TO PREMIER BRAD WALL

It has come to the attention of the undersigned that the Saskatchewan government intends to sign the New West Partnership with British Columbia (B.C.) and Alberta.

We also understand from statements made in the B.C. legislature that this agreement is modelled after the Trade, Investment, Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA), to which B.C. and Alberta are signatory.

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, presented our viewpoints regarding TILMA during the Committee hearings of the Standing Committee on the Economy in June 2007.

Those hearings resulted in the Saskatchewan government deciding not to sign TILMA. In fact, your government, who was in Opposition at the time stated that you “would not sign TILMA in its present form” (June 28th 2007 Saskatchewan Party news release).

Mr. Premier, you also stated in a June 28, 2007 news release: “Our Enterprise Saskatchewan plan for the economy involves direct input from stakeholders including the municipal sector. How could we enter into a major trade and investment agreement without their formal input and assessment?”

Then deputy leader of the Saskatchewan Party Ken Krawetz (the current Deputy Premier) stated in a letter to the editor, published in the Leader-Post on March 10, 2007: “A future Saskatchewan Party government would not sign on to the agreement unless certain it was in the best interests of Saskatchewan people and removed barriers to growth without
negatively impacting on the public ownership of the major Crowns, environmental standards in the province and well-being of workers. Given the impact of TILMA across the province, we also believe the provincial government has an obligation to consult with stakeholders and the public
prior to accepting or rejecting Saskatchewan's participation in TILMA.”
Nothing substantial has changed to justify a reversal of the Saskatchewan government’s position on a TILMA-like agreement.

We request that before signing this, or any, interprovincial trade agreement, the Saskatchewan government undergo a legislative review, and hold a full and transparent public hearing on this issue.

Mr. Premier, you made a promise not to sign TILMA without consulting. We expect you to keep your promise.

Is the Saskatchewan government signing on to the New West Partnership? If so, when?

We ask that you respond to this letter,

Attention SFL Trade Committee
c/o Saskatchewan Federation of Labour,
220 – 2445 13th Avenue,
Regina, SK. S4P 0W1

[Oscar]

Deception, hypocrisy, betrayal, and the New West Partnership; Premier Brad Wall misrepresenting labour’s role on Enterprise Saskatchewan board

http://owlsandroosters.blogspot.com/201 ... d-new.html

(Please go to URL above for numerous Links in the article below. Ed.)

May 7, 2010

“I think there’s been a lot of consultation on this.” – Premier Brad Wall commenting on the New West Partnership, Global Regina, April 30, 2010

Premier Brad Wall and his good friends at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce say the recently signed New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) is critical because it will eliminate the barriers to trade that exist between Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. What trade barriers?

On April 3, 2007, two days after the BC-Alberta Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) began its three year phase in, the Edmonton Journal, in an editorial commenting on the trade pact, pointed out that “there was little in the way of genuine trade barriers remaining between the two westernmost provinces.” In a news release that day concerning TILMA, Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall said that Saskatchewan was “the lowest cost jurisdiction… with fewer trade barriers and restrictions than either B.C. or Alberta.”

At no point since April 28, 2006, when TILMA was signed in Edmonton, has Wall, the Saskatchewan Chamber, or BC and Alberta governments produced a detailed list of genuine trade barriers that exist between the provinces. They talk about them ad nauseam but never say what they are. Why do you suppose that is?

It’s probably because they don’t exist, and even if they did, it is likely in such small numbers that it would put the supporters of TILMA and the New West Partnership to shame.

The Saskatchewan Chamber is enthusiastic about the new agreement.

“We applaud the government for this initiative and look forward to its full implementation,” said the lobby group’s CEO Steve McLellan in a media release.

The news release goes on to say that the organization “is pleased that regulatory simplification is a focus of the partnership agreement. The elimination of unnecessary differences in provincial business and occupation-related regulations and standards will support economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of Saskatchewan businesses in larger western markets.”

As with the phantom trade barriers, the Saskatchewan Chamber fails to provide a comprehensive list of the “unnecessary differences” in question.

The focus on regulations and standards gets us closer to the heart of the matter, and the real reason behind agreements like TILMA and the NWPTA: to pressure government’s to reduce standards and regulations to the lowest common denominator, or abandon them altogether. The agreements are by intent, design and structure no more than instruments for de-regulation.

Another red herring is labour mobility.

In a web-exclusive op-ed posted on The Globe and Mail’s website, the three western premiers said the new agreement will enhance the region’s competitiveness by removing barriers to labour mobility. “A skilled worker from one province will not have to unnecessarily prove their qualifications in another province,” the trio said. [We are stronger as one than if we stand apart (The Globe and Mail, May 1, 2010)]

The premiers either have a short memory or are purposely ignoring the fact that issues around labour mobility were largely addressed by the Council of the Federation on January 16, 2009, when all of Canada’s First Ministers signed a declaration revising the labour mobility chapter of the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) to enable any worker certified for an occupation by a regulatory authority of one province to be recognized as qualified to practice that occupation by all other provinces.

On February 2, 2009, the Wall government issued a news release announcing it had “approved and will sign protocols” to the AIT that will amend the labour mobility resolution chapters.

As a result, workers will not face mobility barriers within Canada. The amendments affect all regulated occupations, including (but not limited to): health professionals, engineers, accountants and people working in the skilled trades, the news release said.

“Agreement by all jurisdictions on labour mobility is a significant victory for Saskatchewan,” Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Bill Boyd said. “It will help our province attract much needed skilled workers and, together with our investments in skills training, these changes will lead to a more secure and prosperous Saskatchewan.”

The new labour mobility provisions became effective April 1, 2009. The level of importance the provinces are placing on this issue in connection with the New West Partnership is not warranted.

According to the StarPhoenix, Wall said at the signing ceremony that the new agreement covers all public-sector entities, there are specific areas -- including aboriginal issues, water, taxation, labour standards and support for the cultural sector -- where a jurisdiction’s ability to set policy will not be affected.

“There is in those exemptions just a lot of room for governments to continue to do what they’ve done to respond to the local realities,” Wall said.

He said the New West Partnership also addresses concerns that kept the Saskatchewan Party from endorsing TILMA a few years ago. Municipalities will be still be able to offer tax incentives to promote growth and the ability to operate Crown corporations will not be affected, Wall said. [A western powerhouse (StarPhoenix, May 1, 2010)]

Wall is misleading the people of Saskatchewan by only telling part of the story.

Like TILMA, the New West Partnership through Article 17 requires the provinces to establish a “ministerial committee” to review annually the exemptions listed in Part V of the agreement “with a view to reducing their scope.” In other words, nothing is safe. And the few examples given by Wall are just the tip of the iceberg of what’s at stake. The so-called exemptions (or exceptions as they’re called in the agreement) also include:

▪ Regulated rates established for the public good or public interest;

▪ Social policy, including labour codes, minimum wages, employment insurance, social assistance benefits and worker’s compensation;

▪ Measures adopted or maintained to provide compensation to persons for losses resulting from calamities such as diseases or disasters; assistance for recreation, academic research, or to non-profit organizations;

▪ Measures adopted or maintained relating to the licensing, certification, registration, leasing or other disposition of rights to the harvesting of forest or fish resources; the management or conservation of forests, fish and wildlife; or requirements that timber be used or manufactured within the territory of a Party; and

▪ Measures adopted or maintained relating to the management and disposal of hazardous and waste materials.

On the issue of municipalities, the New West Partnership does indeed include an expanded definition of business subsidies. That definition specifies that if a subsidy program is designed with objective eligibility criteria, and only one company gets the subsidy, that provision of financial support would not contravene the agreement.

However, municipalities can still be challenged if a bylaw, regulation, standard, directive, requirement, guideline, program, policy, administrative practice or other procedure restricts or impairs trade, investment or labour mobility between or among the three western provinces. Municipal governments will also be subject to the agreement’s procurement rules. With thresholds set so low ($75,000 for goods and services, and $200,000 for construction) the cost of administering and complying with them could prove extremely cumbersome and create a huge volume of paperwork for even routine purchases.

On the issue of Crowns, trade ministers have signed a joint decision clarifying governments have the “ability to create, maintain or designate a government entity,” including Crown corporations. The good news ends there. Just so there is no confusion, the joint decision includes a second clause stating that nothing in the decision “is intended to alter the obligations of government entities once created, maintained or designated.” This means the Crowns are still subject to the agreement and are responsible for complying with it.

There is nothing in the trade agreement to stop the Wall government from selling or shutting down a Crown corporation. Furthermore, Saskatchewan has until July 1, 2012, before the Crowns are subject to the agreement’s procurement rules. In short, the Crowns can remain publicly owned while the crap gets beat out of them.

Erin Weir, an economist with the United Steelworkers union, made an excellent observation recently noting that other trade deals that cover provincial procurement, such as the longstanding Agreement on Internal Trade and the Canada-US Agreement on Government Procurement, do not apply to Crown corporations. As far as he knows, the NWPTA will be the first trade deal to restrict procurement by Saskatchewan Crowns.

Weir points out that since Saskatchewan has a much wider array of Crown corporations than Alberta and BC, it is committing much more. For example, Alberta and BC businesses will gain a legally enforceable right to access SaskTel’s procurement. But Saskatchewan businesses will have no parallel right to access procurement by Telus, the main telephone company in Alberta and BC.

Weir’s analysis also reveals some interesting facts buried in the government’s five-page backgrounder: “The second page provides for “financial penalties of up to $5 million if a government is found to be non-compliant with its obligations.” In case the reader still doubts that NWPTA replicates TILMA, page four helpfully notes that “British Columbia and Alberta fully comply with the agreement” already and then lists a series of “Saskatchewan-Specific Transition Measures.”

“There is no quid pro quo: only Saskatchewan has to change its tendering system, regulations and standards. There is no compromise: Saskatchewan must harmonize to the existing Alberta-BC model.”

As the premiers signed the new trade agreement in a ceremony at Government House in Regina on April 30, 2010, dozens of protestors gathered outside, blowing whistles, to condemn the Wall government’s lack of public consultation.

“We’re blowing the whistle on this premier,” said Saskatchewan Federation of Labour president Larry Hubich. “He has an obligation to engage in meaningful broad-based consultation when he is going to tie Saskatchewan to these broad and sweeping trade agreements.”

Wall arrogantly dismissed the concern. According to the StarPhoenix, the premier said the people of Saskatchewan had a say during public hearings on TILMA in 2007, which took place under the previous NDP government. [A western powerhouse (StarPhoenix, May 1, 2010)]

Global TV in Regina served up this quote by Wall on the evening news: “When we signed the MOU for this agreement, we have sent it out to third parties, to the municipalities, post secondary, health care, to Enterprise Saskatchewan which has – a certainly – a labour representation on it. I guess I just don’t agree. I think there’s been a lot of consultation on this.” [Three Province Trade Agreement Signed (Global Regina, Evening News, April 30, 2010)]

This particular comment is not only absurd and extremely hypocritical it’s also blatantly wrong.

In the spring of 2007, the Opposition Saskatchewan Party demanded the NDP government consult with the public before deciding whether to join TILMA.

In a letter to the editor published in the Leader-Post on March 10, 2007, the party’s labour critic and deputy leader, Ken Krawetz, said a future Saskatchewan Party government would not sign on to the agreement unless certain it was in the best interests of Saskatchewan people.

“Given the impact of TILMA across the province, we also believe the provincial government has an obligation to consult with stakeholders and the public prior to accepting or rejecting Saskatchewan’s participation in TILMA,” Krawetz said. [TILMA contains no threat to labour (Leader-Post, March 10, 2007)]

Three weeks later, on April 3, 2007, Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall in a news release called on the NDP government to release the Conference Board of Canada economic impact study on TILMA, “so the people of this province can make an informed decision about whether to join the agreement.”

With the NWPTA, though, the Wall government betrayed the general public completely, negotiating the agreement behind closed doors with no public consultation or legislative debate. There was no “informed decision” to be had because the public never saw the trade deal until after it was signed. The hypocrisy is incredible.

It’s important to note that in an interview on April 27, 2010, Wall said the new agreement is “not TILMA.”

On the idea of further public consultation, Wall said there has “been a lot of debate on this issue,” including the legislative committee hearings on TILMA.

But Opposition NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter questioned how the new agreement can be “not TILMA,” but the consultation process around the older deal is adequate, the StarPhoenix said. [Sask. close to signing trade deal, Wall says (StarPhoenix, April 28, 2010)]

For Wall to suggest that Saskatchewan’s 95,000-plus unionized workers were consulted on the agreement by virtue of having one representative on the Enterprise Saskatchewan board is ludicrous.

In the legislature on April 29, 2010, Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd indicated that the government consulted with the big city mayors, city managers, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. The question that needs to be asked is why? If Wall’s logic is to be applied evenly then these groups should not have been consulted since the Enterprise Saskatchewan board includes three individuals representing post secondary, rural municipality, and urban municipal.

Wall’s assertion also appears to contradict the position put forward by the former Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation during the nomination process for the Enterprise Saskatchewan board. Ministry officials issued a news release on January 4, 2008, advising that over 300 invitations had been sent out to organizations inviting them to submit nominees to the board. The news release states: “The Board members selected from nominations will represent all aspects and sectors of the provincial economy, rather than concentrating on their own organizations or particular interests.”

The current labour sector representative on the board is Hugh Wagner, the general secretary of the Grain Services Union (ILWU • Canada), who was nominated by the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour. Clearly, Mr. Wagner is on the board to represent labour as a sector of the provincial economy not trade unions or workers.

Wall is misrepresenting labour’s presence on the Enterprise Saskatchewan board to justify his government’s repugnant behaviour towards the general public.

____________________________________________________

Larry Hubich
President
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
220 - 2445 - 13th Avenue
Regina, Sk S4P 0W1
(306) 924-8573 (office)
(306) 537-7330 (cell)
e-mail: l.hubich@sfl.sk.ca
blog: www.larryhubich.blogspot.com

[Oscar]

New West Partnership

- - - - - -

Brad Wall misrepresents "consultation" on TILMA 2.0 - New West Partnership Agreement

See (slow) video clip:
http://www.globalregina.com/video/index ... 1482220886

= = = = =

Brad Wall breaks promise, signs TILMA

http://larryhubich.blogspot.com/2010/04/
brad-wall-breaks-promise-signs-tilma.html

For Immediate Release April 30. 2010

New West Partnership is almost identical to trade deal he pledged not to sign

Regina – Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has broken his promise to not sign TILMA, today putting his signature on the New West Partnership trade agreement that is almost identical in every respect to the agreement rejected by the people of Saskatchewan in 2007.

“For Premier Wall to claim that he has not signed TILMA is simply not true,” said Larry Hubich, the President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour. “The New West Partnership is lifted almost word for word from TILMA and offers no meaningful protections for municipalities or Crown Corporations, the two issues Wall said just this week were the reason he would not sign TILMA. This agreement isn’t TILMA-like, it is TILMA.”

Like TILMA, the New West Partnership has a “no obstacles” clause (Article 3) which commits Saskatchewan to ensure that its measures do not operate to “restrict or impair trade,” a mutual recognition clause (Article 5) which will harmonize provincial standards and regulations to the lowest common denominator, and an investor-state dispute resolution process (Part IV), which gives trade panels the power to force governments to pay up to $5 million for any measure that violates the agreement. Procurement for all provincial government entities, Crown Corporations, municipal governments, school boards, and publicly-funded academic, health and social services are included in the agreement, with identical thresholds as those found in TILMA.

“Practically the only difference between the two trade agreements is the cover,” added Scott Harris, Prairie Regional Organizer with the Council of Canadians. “Besides adding the word “Saskatchewan” and changing “party” to “parties”, there isn’t a different word between the two until page 7 and only a handful of paragraphs that are different through the whole agreement. I don’t know how Brad Wall can keep a straight face when he says he hasn’t signed TILMA.”

The New West Partnership’s schedules 2, 3, and 4, which cover International Cooperation, Innovation and Procurement, respectively, expressly state that they are not legally binding on any of the three provinces and create no financial obligations.

“It’s clear that the only reason the other three agreements were stapled to the back of TILMA was so that Brad Wall could claim he was signing a new agreement,” said Hubich. “But I don’t think the people of Saskatchewan are going to be fooled by this smokescreen. The only part of the New West Partnership that means anything is the trade agreement, and it’s TILMA.” -30-

Contacts:

Larry Hubich, SFL President (306) 537-7330

Scott Harris, Prairie Regional Organizer, Council of Canadians (780) 233-2528

= = = = =

SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA AND BC LAUNCH NEW WEST PARTNERSHIP

http://www.gov.sk.ca/
news?newsId=7d25a475-e276-4f3d-a551-d639317fb652

News Release - April 30, 2010

Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan launched the New West Partnership today, creating an economic powerhouse of nine million people with a combined GDP of more than $550 billion.

The New West Partnership is an ambitious agreement that will create Canada's largest interprovincial barrier-free trade and investment market and see the three westernmost provinces work together in unprecedented ways to the benefit of workers, businesses and investors in all three provinces.

"This represents an historic step forward for western provinces, as they work together to provide economic leadership," Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said. "We are combining the strength of our three vibrant economies and working together to create lasting prosperity. Our three provinces have created a model that cements the West as the economic powerhouse of Canada."

The three provinces signed the New West Partnership at the third joint British Columbia-Alberta-Saskatchewan Cabinet meeting in Regina. Building on shared strengths, the New West Partnership contains four components:

A comprehensive economic agreement, which will remove remaining barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility, further enhancing the competitiveness of Canada's western provinces;

An international co-operation agreement, that will see the three provinces co-operate on trade and investment missions to international markets, and share foreign market intelligence to advance joint interests and increase business competitiveness;

An innovation agreement, which will enable provincial innovation efforts to be co-ordinated to better attract investment and talent, helping build critical mass of innovation activities in the West; and

A procurement agreement that will enable the provinces to capitalize on their combined buying power through the joint procurement of goods and services.

"To compete in the 21st century global economy, governments must work together to break down barriers and create opportunity," Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach said. "The New West Partnership creates more choice for businesses, workers and consumers. It allows the West to market itself as one region to bolster export development and attract investment."

"In today's global economy we need to break down barriers and open trade within our borders to build a stronger Canada," British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said. "The New West Partnership creates a strong economic alliance in Western Canada that will build stronger connections between our provinces and improve our competitiveness."

The first major undertaking of the New West Partnership will be a joint mission to China and Japan in May. Together, the three provinces will promote trade and commerce opportunities with Canada's newest free trade region and draw attention to the New West's global leadership in clean technology, natural resources, and agri-food and agriculture.

The Premiers will also highlight Western Canada's many geographic and infrastructure advantages, including the region's multi-modal Pacific Gateway and Corridor transportation system, and their unwavering support for open skies and open trade with the Asia Pacific region.

The New West Partnership Agreement can be viewed at www.gov.sk.ca/nwp. -30-

For more information, contact:

Ian Hanna, Executive Council Regina Phone: 306-787-2127
Rebecca Rogoschewsky, Executive Council Regina Phone: 306-787-0980
Cam Hantiuk, Office of the Premier Edmonton, AB Phone: 780-422-4924
Bridgitte Anderson, Office of the Premier Victoria, BC Phone: 604-307-7177

= = = = =

9287-NWP Backgrounder.pdf (21.1 KB)

http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/
aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=1118&PN=Shared

New West Partnership - Agreement.pdf (443.4 KB)

http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/
aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=1119&PN=Shared

Joint Decision Gov't Entities.pdf (13.3 KB)

http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/
aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=1120&PN=Shared

Joint Decision BCIMC and AIMCo.pdf (13.4 KB)

http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/
adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=1121&PN=Shared

= = = = =

Wall ill-advised to keep details of deal a secret

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/opinion/
Wall+advised+keep+details+deal+secret/2969099/story.html

The StarPhoenix April 30, 2010

By all accounts, Opposition Leader Dwain Lingenfelter was doing little more than fear-mongering this week when he raised questions about the trade deal Premier Brad Wall is signing today in Regina with Alberta and British Columbia.

After all, economists and trade experts have called for years for the same sort of free-trade arrangements among the provinces that Canada has been able to negotiate with foreign markets. And this agreement, expected to be signed at Government House this morning by premiers Wall, Ed Stelmach and Gordon Campbell, seems well designed to further the common interests of their three provinces.

MORE:

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/opinion/
Wall+advised+keep+details+deal+secret/2969099/story.html

= = = = =

Despite the fact they criticize Wall for being secretive and keeping the details of the so-called New West Partnership Agreement (TILMA 2.0) away from the citizens, the StarPhoenix endorses the deal sight unseen.

Democracy, transparency, accountability, and previous commitments appear to mean nothing to our anti-democratic Premier. - Larry Hubich, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.

= = = = = =

New West Partnership – Erin Weir – May 2, 2010

From: Larry Hubich

Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 7:31 AM

Subject: Saskatchewan gets taken to the cleaners in New West Partnership (TILMA 2.0)

Saskatchewan got taken to the cleaners in this TILMA 2.0 trade deal that Brad Wall just signed. Read Erin Weir's analysis for a critical look at how.

Wall has just tied the hands of Crown Corporations, municipal governments, school boards, and health districts. And he's also put a nail in the coffin of a host of Saskatchewan small businesses who rely on the business that our Crowns do with them.

Get ready for reduced labour standards, reduced worker rights, reduced minimum wage, reduced health and safety protections, reduced autonomy, reduced environmental protections, reduced ability to make decisions and bring in legislation and regulations designed in the public interest. - Larry Hubich, SFL

- - - - - -

New West Partnership

http://www.progressive-economics.ca/201 ... rtnership/

Posted by Erin Weir May 2nd, 2010

On Friday evening, I was in Kingston listening to a speech by western Canada’s best Premier. The following morning, I awoke to discover a far less coherent op-ed by the other three western Premiers on The Globe and Mail’s website.

They were trumpeting Friday’s unveiling of the New West Partnership. As the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and the Jurist have already pointed out, this arrangement is a backdoor for Saskatchewan to join Alberta and BC in the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).

Saskatchewan rejected TILMA because it empowers business to directly challenge a broad range of public policy, without identifying or solving actual problems. In addition to implementing that flawed model, the New West Partnership also hoses Saskatchewan in several specific respects.

The Window Dressing

One has to love the term “New West.” Social democrats live in fear of being accused of advocating 1970s-style policies. However, conservatives have no shame about reviving slogans of the same vintage.

The New West Partnership includes some apparently positive elements: combining procurement orders to lower costs through increased buying power, collaboration on research and development, and joint international trade missions. But there is no obligation to coordinate in these areas. Certainly, the three westernmost provinces did not need a “New West Partnership” to work together on procurement, research or international trade, as they have frequently done in the past.

Indeed, it presumably makes sense for Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC to also cooperate in these and other areas with the seven provinces that have not signed the New West Partnership. In promoting international trade, the greatest economies of scale could presumably be achieved by Canadians combining our efforts through the federal government.

Where’s the Beef?

The New West Partnership’s core is the “New West Partnership Trade Agreement” (NWPTA). If you do not want to read the whole thing, check out the five-page backgrounder.

The first page describes it as “a comprehensive agreement to remove barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility [that] covers all public sector entities, including government ministries and their agencies, boards and commissions, Crown corporations, municipalities, school boards, and publicly-funded academic, health and social service organizations.”

The second page provides for “financial penalties of up to $5 million if a government is found to be non-compliant with its obligations.” In case the reader still doubts that NWPTA replicates TILMA, page four helpfully notes that “British Columbia and Alberta fully comply with the agreement” already and then lists a series of “Saskatchewan-Specific Transition Measures.”

There is no quid pro quo: only Saskatchewan has to change its tendering system, regulations and standards. There is no compromise: Saskatchewan must harmonize to the existing Alberta-BC model.

Where are the Barriers?

The Globe op-ed commits to “break down unnecessary barriers between our provinces,” “interprovincial barrier-free trade,” “removing barriers to trade” and not “allow internal borders to stifle opportunity.” As usual, it does not bother to identify any specific trade barriers.

Since Alberta and BC are already in compliance with NWPTA, these unidentified trade barriers must be in Saskatchewan. However, they have had no apparent effect on actual trade flows. Between 1999 and 2008 (the most recent data available), Saskatchewan’s interprovincial imports rose 70%. Meanwhile, its international imports rose only 56%.

The most recent figures on bilateral trade between particular provinces are for 2006. That year, Saskatchewan bought $1.8 billion more goods and services from Alberta than it sold to Alberta. Also, Saskatchewan bought $419 million more from BC than it sold to BC.

So, Saskatchewan’s market is wide open to goods and services from its western neighbours. NWPTA will not affect those trade flows since there are currently no real trade barriers. However, if NWPTA somehow did increase these two-way flows, the result would be a larger interprovincial trade deficit for Saskatchewan.

Crown Corporations

NWPTA’s inclusion of Crown corporations is notable for at least four reasons. First, the Saskatchewan Party cited its intention to continue using Crown procurement to support Saskatchewan industry as a major reason for rejecting TILMA. The Saskatchewan government should at least acknowledge changing its mind on this matter and explain why.

Second, other interprovincial “free trade” agreements, such as the longstanding Agreement on Internal Trade and the recent Canada-US Agreement on Government Procurement, do not cover Crown corporations. As far as I know, NWPTA will be the first trade deal to restrict their procurement in Saskatchewan.

Third, since Saskatchewan has a much wider array of Crown corporations than Alberta and BC, it is committing much more. For example, Alberta and BC businesses will gain a legally-enforceable right to access SaskTel’s procurement. But Saskatchewan businesses will have no parallel right to access procurement by Telus, the main telephone company in Alberta and BC.

Fourth, a document unveiled Friday indicates, “NWPTA does not apply to any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity or organization established, owned or controlled by either the Alberta Investment Management Corporation or the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.” There is no similar exemption for the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (or any part of it).

Procurement Thresholds

The usual objection to “free trade” in procurement is that governments may legitimately want to use procurement to pursue social goals other than minimizing cost. However, even if monetary savings are the only goal, one must weigh the potential of more competition to lower prices against the cost of administering an open tendering process.

For large purchases, tendering costs are trivial. But for small purchases, these costs could easily outweigh any savings from competitive pricing. Therefore, procurement deals generally only cover purchases worth more than a specified dollar value.

TILMA and NWPTA set these thresholds extremely low. For goods purchased by government ministries, the threshold is just $10,000. If it costs $500 to run an open tendering process, that would add 5% to the cost of a $10,000 purchase.

Complying with such requirements is also a bureaucratic nightmare. On a recent trip to Edmonton, I met up with a couple of friends who are lawyers and Conservative Party supporters. Both were cursing TILMA. Apparently, complying with it has made public procurement extremely cumbersome and created a huge volume of paperwork for even routine purchases.

= = = = =

NEW WEST PARTNERSHIP BACKGROUNDER

http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/
adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=1118&PN=Shared

· The New West Partnership is a new and far-reaching economic partnership between the Governments of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The three provinces commit to ongoing collaboration on innovative ways to strengthen the economy of the West.

· Through the New West Partnership, the three provinces will foster strong, vibrant and lasting prosperity for the region and our people. Innovative and competitive businesses will be even more attracted to the region.

· The New West Partnership focuses on four areas key to economic growth in the West: - trade; - international cooperation; - innovation; and - procurement.

TRADE

· The New West Partnership Trade Agreement is a comprehensive agreement to remove barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility between British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

· The agreement covers all public sector entities, including government ministries and their agencies, boards and commissions, Crown Corporations, municipalities, school boards and publicly-funded academic, health and social service organizations.

· The New West Partnership Trade Agreement comes into effect on July 1, 2010.

Saskatchewan will fully implement the agreement by July 1, 2013. An
implementation schedule is attached as Appendix A.

· The New West Partnership Trade Agreement satisfies Saskatchewan's concerns regarding public ownership of Crown corporations and the ability of municipalities to support economic development.

· The key elements of the New West Partnership Trade Agreement are:

- non-discrimination: workers and businesses from the three provinces will be treated equally;

- transparency: provinces will notify each other to ensure that new measures, including standards and regulations, are not unnecessarily different or result in new impediments to trade, investment or labour mobility;

- legitimate objectives: provinces continue to have the flexibility to protect important public interests, such as public security and safety, human, animal or plant life or health, the environment, the health and safety of workers and the provision of social services and health services;

- streamlined regulations: unnecessary differences in provinces’ business and occupation-related regulations and standards will be eliminated;

- procurement: public procurements will be conducted openly and transparently, ensuring equal opportunity for suppliers in all three provinces. Information on the procurements covered by the agreement is attached as Appendix B; and

- dispute resolution: the three governments demonstrate their serious commitment to the New West Partnership Trade Agreement by including the possibility of financial penalties up to $5 million if a government is found to be non-compliant with its obligations, and that government subsequently fails to bring itself into compliance.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

· Under the New West Partnership International Cooperation Agreement, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia will collaborate on high-quality, cost-effective joint international initiatives, including:

- undertaking joint missions or marketing visits;

- sharing resources in international markets, such as co-locating marketing offices or personnel; and sharing market intelligence in areas of common interest.

· The first major outcome of the New West Partnership will be a joint mission led by the three Premiers to China and Japan from May 14-22, 2010.

INNOVATION

· Under the New West Partnership Innovation Agreement, the provinces will work together to coordinate provincial activities in research and development (R&D), including:

- maintaining and sharing information on R&D activities in each of the provinces; and

- undertaking joint innovation projects or activities.

· Initial joint activities the provinces will undertake include:

- advancing carbon capture and storage technology;

- exploring opportunities in value-added forestry to support diversification of this sector; and - sharing information on R&D activities for the purpose of identifying further opportunities for collaboration.

PROCUREMENT

· Under the New West Partnership Procurement Agreement, the provinces will work together to jointly purchase goods and services in order to achieve efficiencies and cost-savings.

· This could include joint purchasing of health supplies or common government supplies (e.g., paper or office supplies) and the standardization of procurement templates and contracts.

APPENDIX A - NEW WEST PARTNERSHIP TRADE AGREEMENT

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

New West Partnership Trade Agreement comes into effect

British Columbia and Alberta fully comply with the agreement

Saskatchewan fully complies, subject to the transition measures listed below, which will come into effect by the date specified - July 1, 2010

Saskatchewan-Specific Transition Measures

Ministries to post all tendering on a common electronic tendering system

Reconcile differences in commercial vehicle registration rules

One Year Later (by July 1, 2011)

Mutually recognize or otherwise reconcile differences in regulations and standards that restrict or impair trade, investment or labour mobility

Mutually recognize or otherwise reconcile differences in business registration and reporting requirements

Non-discriminatory procurement rules to apply to Crown corporations, municipalities, health regions, school boards, and publicly-funded universities and colleges

All tenders to be posted on a common electronic tendering system - Two Years Later

(by July 1, 2012)

Mutually recognize or otherwise reconcile differences in measures related to financial services that restrict or impair trade, investment or labour mobility - Three Years Later

(by July 1, 2013)

APPENDIX B - NEW WEST PARTNERSHIP TRADE AGREEMENT PROCUREMENT

Procurements at or above these thresholds must be conducted openly and transparently and ensure equal opportunity for suppliers in all three provinces.

Goods Services Construction

Ministries and Departments

Government Agencies, Boards

and Commissions $10,000 $75,000 $100,000

Crown Corporations* $25,000 $100,000 $100,000

Municipalities*

Health Regions*

School Boards*

Publicly-Funded Universities

and Colleges* $75,000 $75,000 $200,000

NOTE: These thresholds are not automatic triggers for joint purchasing agreements under the New West Partnership Procurement Agreement.

* Applies to Saskatchewan after July 1, 2012.

= = = = = = =

Secret trade talks? Take to the streets!

http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/04/30/
secret-trade-talks-take-to-the-streets/

Peter Van Loan says negotiations with the EU are going well. Opponents are trying to mobilize.

by Paul Wells on Friday, April 30, 2010 9:00am

The work of government goes on even when we’re distracted by shiny things. Two weeks ago, Parliament Hill was transfixed by the escapades of Rahim Jaffer and Helena Guergis, and I couldn’t resist writing about the former MP and his ex-minister wife either. But on the Monday of that same week, a bunch of nationalist groups gathered to ring the alarm bell as hard as they could about secret trade talks between Canada and the European Union.

Secret talks! Just like old times. Talks “based on commitments to place corporate rights before social and economic justice, democratic control, and ecological sustainability,” the groups said. (They included the Canadian Labour Congress, Canadian Auto Workers, and the Council of Canadians.) “Negotiations are progressing quickly and with little public scrutiny until now.”

Well, it was time for that to stop. The organizations leaked the entire 366-page draft negotiating text for a proposed Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. They put the whole thing up on a website, www.tradejustice.ca. They ornamented the text with dark warnings about how a Canada-EU deal would “go beyond NAFTA in ways that threaten public services and local democracy in Canada.”

I’ve been writing about these negotiations for three years now. But what happened two weeks ago was new, because for the first time we could peek under the hood and see the details of what’s being discussed. Advocates of a deal have become less reticent. Opponents have become more vocal. The same thing drives the new chattiness on both sides: the talks are going well.

“Progress has been ahead of schedule,” Peter Van Loan, the international trade minister, told me. “They’ve made more progress than anybody expected.” A veteran European official told me this was “the most pleasant negotiation I’ve ever been involved in.”

Barely a half-dozen of the 40 European negotiators made it through the ash clouds to Ottawa for this third round of negotiations. Everyone made do with video conferencing as best they could. A fourth round will be in Brussels in May. During the months of separation between the week-long chat sessions, each side figures out how to get closer to agreement on the outstanding issues.

Nearly 120 Canadians fly to Europe each time for the talks on that side of the ocean, startling their hosts. “They come in droves,” the European official said. The reason, of course, is that the provinces are directly involved in this negotiation, which is how a country of 35 million can send three times as many bureaucrats to a bargaining table as a union of 27 countries containing half a billion people.

The groups opposing a deal are sure all of it is awful. Take government procurement, the notion that European and Canadian firms should be able to bid for government contracts in each other’s market, on the same basis as local firms.

MORE: http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/04/30/
secret-trade-talks-take-to-the-streets/

= = = = =

Botting earning $15,000 per month plus expenses as consultant to Enterprise Saskatchewan, contract suggests direct line to Premier Brad Wall

http://owlsandroosters.blogspot.com/2010/05/
botting-earning-15000-per-month-plus.html

May 2, 2010

The Wall government’s announcement on March 15, 2010, that Dale Botting was stepping down as CEO of Enterprise Saskatchewan (ES) caused barely a ripple in the news media. A 400-word story in the Leader-Post the next day was pretty much it as far as coverage goes.
NDP Enterprise and Innovation critic Len Taylor told the newspaper he was “surprised” to learn Botting would be leaving and wondered whether there was something wrong at ES.
Taylor said that ES “has no focus, no real vision,” and appears to be “going nowhere with this government.”
“This big idea of Enterprise Saskatchewan ... is not turning out to be what anybody thought it would be.” [Botting to step down in April as CEO (Leader-Post, March 16, 2010)]
Botting may be gone but he’s not far away.
Starting April 1, 2010, under a six-month, renewable contract to ES, Botting will oversee the completion of several investment attraction projects and will continue to advise the provincial government on issues ranging from innovative partnerships to competitive intelligence, a government press release said.

- - - - SNIP - - - -

According to the contract between ES and Botting Leadership & Development Corporation, dated March 12, 2010, Botting will be paid a sum of $15,000 per month for each month of the agreement. As the consultant, Botting “must submit a report to the Minister and CEO of ES on the activities undertaken during that calendar month and an invoice stating the number of hours of service provided during that calendar month and the allowable expenses, with copies of receipts, incurred in providing the services.”
Travel, sustenance and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed at Public Service Commission approved rates.
Botting’s contract does not “preclude the possibility of separate and different contract opportunities to serve the added needs of Enterprise Saskatchewan, or to assist with other contracts and projects in other Ministries or Crown Corporations.”
In other words, Botting’s new arrangement could allow him to make a lot more money than if he were still employed by the agency.

- - - - SNIP- - - -

Starting April 1, 2010, to September 30, 2010, Botting’s company “will focus, as an independent contractor, on major investment attraction efforts and the successful completion of project development as a dedicated and accelerated effort to help the Government move toward more visible culmination of its successful business climate.”
Some of the 14 “major projects poised for final investment decisions” in 2010-11 are:
▪ Accelerate the final head office decision of Mosaic Corporation and other major corporate office decisions in to Saskatoon and Regina;
▪ Move key research and development jobs of Dow Agro Sciences from Indiana to Saskatoon;
▪ Finalize development of Clear Vistas and other major new property developments;
▪ Needed support to add on and secure CN/Loblaws developments and assist the Global Transportation Hub Authority (GTHA) in its added marketing and investment attraction efforts;
▪ Secure financing and final supports fort the CCRL Aquistore Project in Regina;
▪ Complete the Bioxx Expansion in Saskatoon; and
▪ Secure added markets for Whitemud Resources in Saskatchewan.
“As further project challenges arise from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Development, or directly from the Minister or the Premier, [the consultant’s] retainer will provide added executive level capacity as further required on as needed basis,” the agreement states.
So Botting might have a direct pipeline to Premier Brad Wall. How many consultants can boast that?
One nagging question, though, is why can’t Botting oversee this work and still be the CEO of ES? Maybe NDP MLA Len Taylor is right and there is something wrong at ES.

MORE:

http://owlsandroosters.blogspot.com/2010/05/
botting-earning-15000-per-month-plus.html

= = = = = =

2) SCN TO CONTINUE BROADCAST WHILE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE REVIEWED

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=35341e ... 77b8e5b0fb

News Release - April 30, 2010

Broadcast of SCN will continue into the month of May, while Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are being considered.

Twelve Expressions of Interest were received prior to today's deadline.

The consulting group receiving the EOIs, McNair Business Development Inc., indicated that some proponents requested, in their EOIs, that SCN remain on the air while the EOI review process takes place.

"We are pleased that there has been such a high level of interest expressed and look forward to the results of the Expression of Interest review process," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. -30-

For more information, contact:

Rebecca Rogoschewsky
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0980
Email: rebecca.rogoschewsky@gov.sk.ca

- - - - -

April 30, 2010

OPEN LETTER TO THE PREMIER (Hand Delivered)

Honourable Brad Wall

Premier of Saskatchewan
226 Legislative Building
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S 0B3

Re: Purchase of the Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN)

It has only recently come to our attention that today is the deadline for bids for the purchase of SCN. We are amazed that this process is being so rushed.

While we believe that your decision to eliminate SCN is short sighted and not in the interests of Saskatchewan citizens – it appears your government is not interested in listening to what the people are saying on this matter.

We write to request that more time be given for interested parties to examine the assets, liabilities, licence and feasibility of putting forward an offer for the purchase of SCN.

We are serious – but need time to examine our options and possible partnerships.

We have great talent in Saskatchewan and need to retain these artists and their incredible skills.

If given time – 90 days – we would immediately contact our 37 union affiliates, our Venture Capital Funds, Saskatchewan Teacher Federation, National Unions, the Saskatchewan Credit Union system and current employees of SCN to see how we could fashion a proposal for the purchase of SCN. We have to assess the value and the risk and we need some time. Perhaps a co-operative?

As well we will immediately continue to look for further financial support for this network, we have many resources. What is a reasonable offer to keep SCN in our community hands? This must be evaluated before you sell off SCN’s assets. Has this information been available to others?

Please don’t wipe SCN off the map until we can develop a plan to retain vital cultural human resources in Saskatchewan.

Give us time to put in a proposal.

Sincerely,

Larry Hubich,
SFL President
LH:ds

CUPE 4828
c.c. SCN Supporters
Saskatchewan Media
McNair Business Development Inc.
Dustin Duncan, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sports

[Oscar]

Saskatchewan Says BC-Alberta Trade Deal is Flawed: Province Will Not Join TILMA - Council of Canadians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2007

Vancouver - After months of debate, the Saskatchewan government decided yesterday that it would not join the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) with BC and Alberta. Citing the agreement's broad scope and unanswered questions, the government assessed that signing on had too many risks for the province.

TILMA was signed by the premiers of Alberta and BC, without public consultation or legislative debate, in April 2006. The agreement allows corporations and individuals to sue provincial governments for any provincial or municipal government measure they feel "restricts or impairs" their investment. Under TILMA, even measures designed to protect the environment and public health are vulnerable to attack from corporate lawsuits with compensation penalties as high as $5 million.

Saskatchewan's announcement comes as Colin Hansen, BC's Minister of Economic Development attempts to justify TILMA's far-ranging implications to municipalities. The Ministry is scrambling to 'consult' with municipalities, dozens of whom have raised serious questions about the agreement's impacts on local autonomy and will vote on excluding municipalities from the agreement in early fall at the Union of BC Municipalities AGM.

"Once elected officials get the chance to read through TILMA, they realize that it is more like a corporate bill of rights than an agreement to enhance trade and labour mobility," says Carleen Pickard, BC/Yukon Regional Organizer for the Council of Canadians.

"Unlike in British Columbia and Alberta, the government of Saskatchewan actually consulted academics, experts and citizens and concluded that TILMA is a bad deal. It is time for Minister Hansen to accept that, stop forcing it on BC's municipalities, and withdraw from the Agreement."

-30-

For more information, contact:
Carleen Pickard, 604.340.2455; cpickard@canadians.org.

For more information about TILMA, visit Canadians.Org.

======================================

Other Articles:

SASKATCHEWAN ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR INTERNAL TRADE - Government Press Release: August 1, 2007
http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=ebd5e9 ... 38abef91a7


Sask. won't join Alberta-B.C. trade deal - CBC: August 1, 2007
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/s ... hewan.html

Sask. won't sign on to accord - Leader Post: August 2, 2007
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/ ... 5446a88f7d

Business groups say rejecting TILMA outright short-sighted - Leader Post: August 03, 2007
http://www.canada.com:80/reginaleaderpo ... 9ad2497d49


TILMA: A Saskatchewan Party government could seek agreement with BC-Alberta after April 1, 2009; media reports continue to mislead public - Owls and Roosters Blog - Joe Kuchta: August 3, 2007
http://owlsandroosters.blogspot.com/200 ... nment.html

Calvert wary of 'back door' - Leader Post: August 4, 2007
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/ ... a381de4da6

Little variation in themes - Star Phoenix: August 4, 2007
http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoe ... 7c39abf5a1


Premiers to tackle labour mobility and other issues at N.B. meeting
- CANOE - CNEws - August 7, 2007
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007 ... 00234.html\


TILMA boosters come up short - The Leader-Post - August 09, 2007
http://www.canada.com:80/reginaleaderpo ... 287d3ad04c

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WESTERN PROVINCES OPEN JOINT TRADE AND INVESTMENT OFFICE IN SHANGHAI

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=5c7156 ... 716e525f80

News Release - May 17, 2010

The Premiers of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan today opened the new Shanghai-based Western Canada Trade and Investment Office, advancing Western Canada's interests and bolstering economic ties in China.

The Western Canada Trade and Investment Office will promote Western Canada's advanced industries including green technology, natural resources, agri-food and agriculture. It will also represent the three provinces in a number of other priority sectors, including education, tourism and investment attraction. Shanghai was selected, as it is China's trade and financial hub, the world's second busiest port and has a population of more than 20 million people.

"Alberta has been at the forefront of Canada-China relations since the 1960s and we continue to seek new alliances in the region," Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach said. "The Shanghai office gives us an expanded presence as well as an ability to better serve our network of business partners and investors in this crucial market."

The joint office is part of the New West Partnership's commitment to collaborate on cost-effective international initiatives, including sharing resources in international markets. The co-operative marketing model of the Shanghai office will allow the three western provinces to better position the West as the hub of economic activity on this side of the Pacific. Working together, the provinces will be more effective in advancing joint business interests, exchanging market intelligence and increasing business competitiveness.

"Saskatchewan, and the West, has what the world wants and needs," Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said. "The economies of the New West Partnership are among the most robust and diversified you will find anywhere. We are making it as easy as possible for investors to do business in the West, and to pursue opportunities which only exist here."

"British Columbia is pleased to partner with Saskatchewan and Alberta in promoting Western Canada's advantages to Chinese investors and partners," British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said. "British Columbia already operates three of its own trade and investment offices in China and the new Shanghai office will help build on our position as Canada's Pacific Gateway."

The Premiers are on a joint mission to China and Japan, to promote trade and investment opportunities along with the West's geographic and infrastructure advantages, including the multi-modal Pacific Gateway and Corridor transportation system. The three Premiers are also promoting open skies agreements and open trade with the Asia Pacific region.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Rebeca Rogoschewsky
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0980

Cam Hantiuk
Alberta Office of the Premier
Edmonton
Phone: 780-422-4924

Bridgitte Anderson
BC Office of the Premier
Victoria, BC
Phone: 604-307-7177