Why Saskatchewan is Booming but not an employment Boom!

[SASKFARMER3]

Yes I agree Saskatchewan is booming in the oil and gas the mining and manufacturing.
But the NDP that run this province don't seem to have figured it out.
Let me explain a few years back the electoral boundaries were changed and some city seats were amalgamated with rural giving the NDP a majority because in Sask the City vote NDP ( I cant Explain) and the Rural Vote Conservative or Sask party Etc.
So we continue to have a NDP Gov. Also one Note some of Regina's Wealthiest people Vote NDP wonder who made them wealthy?
What is happening in Saskatchewan is that the Rural Farmers have been crushed for to long and have gone to a Ill farm till its all gone then Ill leave for Alberta or where ever.
The NDP likes this because it just keeps Breeding more NDP in the City and one less rural voter to go against them.
Companies that work in saskoil patch are head quartered out side of Saskatchewan Etc. hire locals for a bit.
Also some economist told the NDP that farming puts nothing back into the Economy so Let it die go with Oil and Gas.
Well we finally arrived at that spot this spring will see the last crop for a lot of Saskatchewan farmers. The perfect Storm is on the Horizon if a Frost hits in August with the latest crop insurance and Useless Case most farmers wont be able to cover their costs and will walk away.
THankt to the NDP!

[cowman]

You know I've only gone to Saskatchewan twice in my life? Once up to Saskatoon and a couple of years ago over to Yorkton and down to Regina and then north to see my buddy who farms north of there.
Now on these trips I saw a lot of big potash mines and a lot of big fields and good crops. The people were real friendly and seemed no different than small town Alberta. Regina is an impressive city as well as Saskatoon and Yorkton was hopping!
I was amazed at how many government buildings occupied the down town core as well as how at five pm everything seemed to just stop and they roll up the streets!
I know several former Sask. residents, many of them former farmers, as the oil patch is full of them! One drilling consultant(former farmer) from around Swift Current told me Saskatchewan will never get a boom like Alberta has because the provincial government makes it almost impossible for business to operate there?
And yet Saskatchewan does have a lot of natural resources, a good strong workforce(if they aren't all gone) and the people have a pretty tough attitude?
I think there needs to be a shift in thinking somewhere a long the line so you aren't being ruled by two cities, but I don't know how that can happen? I bet if you ask 5 people worling in the Alberta oil patch where they came from at least two will say Saskatchewan! You have been exporting your future for a long time.

[ivbinconned]

saskfarmer, last fall I had fun writing up this peice and don't know if you saw it posted Jan 4th here it is again...kind of relevant to your topic.

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Pay Back Time

Some are predicting that it is only a matter of time and Ottawa will make a grab for a bigger chunk of Alberta’s wealth. If the Liebrano’s win another minority government or heaven forbid a majority it would be a safe bet it will happen sooner rather than later.

One can not blame Albertans nervous tension in regards to the hard earned “surplus” they are wrestling with. What with central Canada’s flag wrapping, separatist appointing, Liebrano$ tip toeing around this issue, which is really none of their business, yet pretending like it is a national issue.

As well, the rest of the country seems to have swallowed the fallacy that Alberta’s wealth can only be attributed to oil and gas! This, at least, has long been Saskatchewan’s explanation or excuse!

Alberta’s current premier, like those of the past, spouting “hands off” rhetoric, has not calmed the fears as we all know from his history that when it comes to butting heads with the feds he eventually gets a concussion. But it has, as in the past, put Albertans to sleep! No wonder there is cause for concern.

I would like to make a suggestion to resolve this dilemma from the perspective of an Alberta boy who went against the flow 33 years ago and moved to Saskatchewan. “Flow” is an appropriate word as so many will know if you ever are out on those east-west prairie highways at the beginning of a long weekend and experienced the bumper to bumper traffic, first flowing east, and then back west to their homes and jobs in Alberta.

In fact it could be argued that Albertans should be responsible for the building and maintenance of these Saskatchewan routes as it is on these routes that we annually export our calves, then our grain and then our kids. Everything we hold dear!

It is said that there are more Saskatchewan people living in Alberta today, than in Saskatchewan. For this reason it could be argued that Alberta owes much of its success to those industrious, adventurous, hard working, motivated, socialist fleeing, and entrepreneurial, spirited people of Saskatchewan.

For decades Saskatchewan has been the breeding grounds for much of Alberta’s “conservative” work force and business base, leaving Saskatchewanians at the mercy of the N.D.P. (No Definite Policy) elites that excel at only one thing….denying reality!

My idea would go along way in quieting and calming those hostile, bigoted, and jealous elements in the East who would be loath to object to such an obvious solution that recognizes the debt and historical connection that Alberta owes and feels for Saskatchewan.

Albertans who might normally respond with a knee-jerk reaction to any suggestion that other provinces are entitled to an even bigger share of Alberta’s wealth would be hard pressed to argue against my proposal. After all, many Albertans have moms and dads, brothers and sisters and cousins and uncles and aunts, grandpa’s and grandma’s, great grandpa’s…well you get the picture, still living in Saskatchewan.

These people are still doing what they do best. Raising more kids on the farm where they learn to work the land, pick the rocks (or curl them), feed the cows, then, representing our best and brightest, move west to the land of opportunity. Escaping the socialist utopia of Saskatchewan where the Regina manifesto, that capitalist hating document perceived to be sacred, has ruled the political world here for so long that even when conservatives win here, which is seldom, it is only because they out socialize the socialists.

Here is my proposal; Alberta could defuse the “sharing” sentiments of our federal masters by stroking an enormous check to the province of Saskatchewan for payment of the decades of raw resources and people that have been the foundation of Alberta’s success. How could the east object? Seems only fair! It is more a blessing to give than to receive. Right? With this bold, ground breaking and generous action, there can be no doubt, that Alberta would continue to be blessed by its neighbor to the east.

Now let me be clear here, I am not just “whining” for a hand out, no no! This should only happen if certain conditions are agreed to.

If the payment is significant, it will have a long and lasting impact for the people of Alberta and Saskatchewan. With this “windfall” we will reduce the debts and obligations of our government and our people, and the need for top prices for what we produce will be reduced. Many taxes must be lowered or completely eliminated! Debt reduction and of course the enhancing of those well traveled westbound routes would be a priority.

In any forum, especially academic, any reference to Tommy Douglas, CCF, and that capitalist hating “Manifesto” document as being a positive part of our history must be countered (equal time) with facts revealing the farce that it is. Don’t know if this would be legal…but it sure is a pleasant thought.

Saskatchewan must align its tax policies with Alberta; this would cut down on those PST free weekend shopping trips to Alberta, lowering demand in Alberta and therefore prices…a win win situation for everyone!

Hey Albertans …every socialist has a price. For 1 billion dollars we'll dump the NDP! For 3 billion, we'll oust them for 20 years! For 5 billion we'll harmonize all our taxes, royalty structures, policies, laws and government, elect our senators, dump the Crown Corps, let you use the words "bunny hugs" and “coffee row”...and vote “Conservative” in perpetuity!

Just think…no longer would the border line show a decidedly different, Alberta versus Saskatchewan, approach to resource development! We would be “open for business”, finally! You can even call us East Alberta! C’mon, let’s make a deal…buy us off! Pleeeease!

We also will promise to follow Alberta out of the quagmire that has become Canada,
when you decide to go! We will call it “plan G”, since if you look back far enough, which one must, A, B, C, D, E, F, have all failed at bringing the west “in”!

The west can only get justice in this CON-federation if we, in the west, stick together. None of this divide and conquer stuff any more! The west from now on will speak with a united voice!

Is he dreaming, you might ask, or is his tongue firmly planted in his cheek? Perhaps, but those are your choices Alberta…share the windfall with family, or let the thieving Liebrano$ invade. We know what they will do with the money; they'll spend it on legalizing drugs and prostitution, killing off old people, posturing at the UN, taxing exhaust emissions, building palaces for Dingwalls and Dingbats, liberal advertising! Or use it for registering slingshots, peashooters and soldering guns!

Like they say on FOX News…you decide!

[cropduster]

NDP farmer...your second sentence.."But the NDP gov`t of this province don`t have it figured out".I would say that they do!!You just haven`t realized what they are trying to achieve! "We (the CCF)aim to replace the present capitalist system...by a social order...in which economic planning will supercede unregulated private enterprise and competition.." "No CCF government will rest content until it has eradicated capitalism and put into operation the full program of socialized planning"...The Regina Manifesto.Until your province publically denounces this CRAP you will see nothing more than the fulfillment of this proclamation!!!!!!!Get over trying to work around it!Until the public acknowledgment and denounciation of this type of thinking takes place you can never have a NEW beginning!!When you neighbors are whining,tell them to enjoy the toilet bowl that socialism has provided !!!!!!!!!!

[sawfly]

with 15 times the oil and 20 times the gas and rocky mountians for toursim, alberta had damn well have a better economy, or somebody is really screwing up.
while your right that bussiness has avoided sask because of the political climate . driveing thru rural alberta 5 -10 years ago it didnt look any better than rural sask.
Dont get too full of yourselves, over there, its kinda like saying someone must be a great farmer. (new everything, bins buildings machinery)until you see he has eight wells on every quarter.

[cowman]

Well I'm not going to argue with you on that one sawfly because in fact you are right! We don't have any advantage over Saskatchewan...other than more oil and gas...and the will to go after it!
However I do believe that close to 60 years of the "oil culture" have shaped the average Albertan to look at things differently than Saskatchewan? We do have a different set of rules and a lot less red tape and hoops to jump through to get anything done?
I guess the people of saskatchewan think different than Alberta...after all they keep electing these goofy socialist governments? Now that isn't to say we don't have our own wing dings! Good old Redmonton can always be counted on to elect some Liberals and NDPs! Funny how Calgary wants nothing to do with them? And of course out in rural Alberta you couldn't elect a Liberal or NDP if they could walk on water! We do have a few dreamers in the country but usually we just tolerate them as slightly eccentric or rebels without a cause!
Business and free enterprize and personal initiative are what built this province and I think most Albertans understand that? Most of us don't buy into the "anthill" philosophy?

[cropduster]

Thanks for the confirmation Cowman...have been waiting for someone from NDPland to reply and just missed beating you to this.If you`ll notice these NDP`ers still won`t address what I said about the Regina Mainfesto.Heck NDPfarmer has gone on to whine about Kevin Hursh and Sawfly blames it on our natural resources.He must believe they have no natural resources in Sk.!!!I even heard a Redmonton professor bemoaning they fact that we don`t have a high enough royalty rate in Ab.It`s at 1% instead of possibly 4.Could it possibly be the NDP`ers are just SAVING their resources till the price gets high enough???

[almoy]

Cropduster, if you would do a little checking you would find that the NDP does not have any seats outside of the cities in Saskatchewan.

[cowman]

Actually cropduster I think that 1% royalty rate you refer to is just on the oil sands production and that is due to change in the future? The fact is the oil sands wouldn't have been developed if the government never cut the companies a deal? And the college boys can debate that forever...but the fact is it just would have not happened!
I think the Sask. NDP government is basically opposed to the oil company mentality? They see them as a bunch of wild and crazy wildcatters or something? I don't think they like the idea of anybody(other than themselves) making any money? I think they actually would feel more comfortable dealing with a refined college professor who could tell them they are being exploited by big evil corporations? And I guess that is their choice?
However, royalties or no royalties, for the average Albertan oil and gas have meant money in your pocket, jobs, developement and taxes! Kind of nice knowing if the old crop fails you can get a job in the winter that will keep the wolf off the doorstep!
Saskatchewan NDP governments have been the problem. What resource company in its right mind would take a risk with these dingbats lined up to make your venture as hard as possible? Or maybe "nationalize" you once you did all the dirty work? Just won't happen. Just my opinion.

[ivbinconned]

Prairie Centre Policy Institute
Weekly Commentary

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE October 27, 2003

Title: Capital Punishment?

If Saskatchewan is to grow and be prosperous, it must be capable of attracting private investment capital. And you don't have to be an economist to know that it is virtually impossible to attract investment when you keep biting the hand that feeds you.

A healthy private sector and business friendly environment are often the first things the private capital market looks for when allocating their investment dollars. They tend to shy away from Saskatchewan, where investment funds are often allocated by the government rather than the market. Investors don't like it when politics replaces return on investment as the basis for allocating funds. The problem with government intervention is you end up with investment projects that often reduce rather than enhance wealth because resources are wasted on political boondoggles like Spudco, mega bingo, the land titles registry and other such expenditures that seem to be favoured by the current NDP administration.

No where is the effect of government intervention more evident than in the Western Canadian oil patch. For years we've been told that Alberta is wealthy because it has oil and gas. And, as you can see from the attached map, that statement appears to be absolutely true. The oil and gas fields do stop abruptly at the Saskatchewan border. The question is, however, do they stop because: a) that's where the oil and gas ends; or, b) the industry does not want to
invest in Saskatchewan.

Obviously, it's investment and not the resource that ends at the border. In fairness, I must point out there is a difference between the geological formations of the two provinces. As a result, the sweet light crude oil found in Alberta is worth more and costs less to recover than and the heavy crude found in Saskatchewan. But, that is not necessarily the main cause for the cut-off along Alberta's eastern border. According to industry insiders, the real culprit is Saskatchewan's Oil and Gas Conservation Act.

This Act gives the minister responsible absolute power over the oil and gas industry. It states, in part, that the minister has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pursuant to this act. It also says the minister may reconsider any matter that has been dealt with and rescind, alter, amend, suspend or confirm any decision or order made, approval granted, or permit or license issued. Furthermore, there is no appeal from an order or decision of the minister and all decisions, findings and orders pursuant to this Act are final and conclusive. They are not reviewable in any court of law, and no decision, finding or order of the minister shall be restrained by injunction, prohibition or other proceeding or be removed by certiorari (appeal to a higher court) or otherwise by any court.

Now, Minister Cline has stated he would never use this power and I believe him. But, I'm not a big investor either. It has been widely reported that many of those who do have the capital and desire to invest purposely avoid Saskatchewan. The reasons for this are closely related to the perception that public policy in this province is largely :lriven by a long-standing contempt for capitalists and private sector investment. Success is a dirty word and we don't want any of that here. This anti-business attitude was ignited by the 1933 Regina Manifesto, which created the CCF



along with their now infamous declaration that they would not rest content until capitalism was eradicated. Fuel was added to the fire when the CCF joined with the labor unions to form the NDP. It was in full fury when a Saskatchewan NDP government nationalized the potash industry by expropriating private property. And, this sentiment is not exclusive to New Democrats. Given its political history, no wonder investors are more than a little reluctant to put their money in Saskatchewan.

I read somewhere that any government that destroys capital markets will pay a severe price for their folly. thats Capital Punishment?

AI/an Evans


Allan Evans is a marketing consultant and Business Manager for the Prairie Centre Policy Institute. .Where Do We Go From Here" is a feature service of the Prairie Centre

[ivbinconned]

August 09, 2005
Taxpayer

Grow the economy, not the government

The headline in the Regina Leader Post screamed “Job numbers jump 6,700.” In anyone’s world, 6,700 more jobs is positive news. But if you drill down into the data, the news isn’t so rosy.

More than half of the new jobs created over the past year are paid for by taxpayers.

The latest job numbers come from Sask Trends Monitor, Saskatchewan’s preeminent statistics publication and clearly show a disturbing trend of rapid government expansion. Overall employment grew by 1.4 per cent in the first seven months of the reporting year – well below the 2.1 per cent growth in Alberta and 1.7 per cent growth in Manitoba, but above the national average of 1.1 per cent.

Dig a little deeper into the numbers and you find private sector employment grew by 1.7 per cent, while government employment grew nearly twice as fast. In fact, there are 5,000 more government employees today then there were back in 2002 – a staggering statistic given Saskatchewan’s stagnant population growth.

What’s worse is that almost all of the new job growth is taken by people 55 years or older, which means we’re not attracting or keeping any young people in Saskatchewan.

Of course, this doesn’t stop the government from trumpeting their overwhelming success in economic development. Industry Minister Eric Cline said the job increases are a “testament to the diversification and strength of Saskatchewan’s economy.”

The economy is diverse if by “diverse” you mean the difference between various government departments. Cline also warns that this growth is a “double-edged sword” in that they are now having trouble filling some positions.

For taxpayers, an unfilled government position isn’t a liability, it’s a blessing.

Since 1995, our provincial government has grown its payroll by 12,190 bodies and hiked the average wage by 22 per cent. The number of working people sticking around in Saskatchewan to pay these wages is in slow but steady decline.

Sound like trouble?

This year, the Saskatchewan government is forecasting tax revenues to be $255 million higher than forecast in the provincial budget. In fact, government revenues are higher now than they have been our province’s history. In historical terms, the government of Saskatchewan is rolling in dough.

That’s why it’s surprising to see in their First Quarter Update that they are still planning to borrow $60 million to balance the budget.

We’re three months into the fiscal year and the province has already spent more than half of the expected surplus.

The government press release blares “sound financial path continues in first quarter.” We suppose “sound financial paths” exist only in the eye of the beholder. What is “financially sound” about a government that confiscates more tax dollars than it needs from taxpayers and turns around and spends every single dime and then some?

While the government tells us the economy and the province’s finances are heading in the right direction, the reality is quite different. Government spending is at an all-time high with no end in sight for increases and Saskatchewan’s average annual GDP growth for past decade ranks dead last among the provinces.

It’s past time for the province to reign in spending and get serious about lowering taxes and paying down debt. The endless growth of the civil service threatens to be our undoing.

[nicolaas]

t’s past time for the province to reign in spending and get serious about lowering taxes and paying down debt. The endless growth of the civil service threatens to be our undoing.

Sounds like alberta 13 years ago... funny how alberta's gov't spending is at a all time high once again....history does repeat itself. You get a directionless gov't such as alberta has, and when things go bad (which they will once again) things will really go bad. Just takes a down turn in economy for any reason. Sask. has a problem, thats for sure. Decisions made purely on someones ideology (right or left wing) are destined to be wrong/unsustainable in the long run.

[cowman]

Without a doubt it is a scandal what the Alberta government is spending today! Actually quite a bit more than Saskatchewan on a per capita basis? The Alberta budget should come in at $21 billion instead of $28 billion if it was in line with SASK.?
It might be justified if the money was being spent on such things as infrastructure...but to a large degree this is not the case!

[SASKFARMER3]

One of Saskatchewan's biggest problems is look at the employment stats Our idiot thinks hes doing good by this number well most of the job growth was in the civil service.
So here's my theory we are loosing people faster than were gaining but were booming.
Could it be that every one who for years tried to oust these NDP have finally gave up and are just moving away. Voting with their feet. The last provincial election sort of hit the nail on the head with Cities going NDP and the Rural Sask Party or Blue. A union man wont vote for any one else that the NDP so Business people in the cities and the rural are just getting fed Up and are leaving. Mean while the only ones coming back to Saskatchewan are the ones who don't fit in in a hard working Alberta. Oh yea Social service meets these people.
One more Crop and I am going to do the same.

[SASKFARMER3]

Then Ill Become AcreageAlbertaFarmer!