blocking state owned takeovers...

[grassfarmer]

So Ralph's world has been a Liberal regime? I think you are confused.
I am well aware that Canada's lax anti combine laws are what allow these monopolies to operate here but not in the US. "Outside of kicking them out and the state taking control what are the alternatives?" Answer: proper anti competition laws that are enforced, it has happened elsewhere.

If you think Saskatchewan is a communist regime I suggest you broaden your horizons and maybe travel to a communist country - then you might know what you are talking about.

I do not support communism in any shape or form as I stated in the previous thread.

[ivbinconned]

Confused not at all...Ralphs world is alot more "liberal" than it was in Alberta 35 years ago!


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

[Horse]

IBC you may be right sask is asking for a better deal and why would investors go there if they can get the same in alta for nothing.

[cowman]

Personally I don't think Alberta is getting as good a deal on royalties as we should?
Not sure what the other candidates in the PC leadership race are saying but I know that Ted Morton has said its time for some changes in how oil companies deal with individuals and the province? An increase of the $500 entry fee(since 1980) is one area he is calling for?
Believe it or not some oil companies are ready for some changes as well...and it isn't "pay less"! Quicksilver(CBM) CEO has told a popular local consultant that the fact is they are running into a lot of problems signing surface leases...because the province is so backwards in its pricing rules! He told this consultant that he should flood the Surface Rights Board with cases...to get some much needed changes to the compensation figures!
He says Quicksilver has no problem competing at a higher compensation level....bottom line is they need to get those wells drilled!

[northfarmer]

good for Ted.....he should get my vote next saturday for that, among other things.

[cowman]

The way I figure it is if everyone who voted for Morton on the 25th got out and convinced one more person to vote their "persuasion", he should win this thing! I already told my son, daughter in law, daughter, son in law I would pick up the price of their membership!
Also phoned a few of the neighbors!

[grassfarmer]

I can just see the headlines now "Central Alberta farmer in cash for votes scandal" LOL, you're no better than the Liberals Cowman.

[ivbinconned]

NO WAY he is far better...he is up front about it.

I am calling my kids!

[coppertop]

Well, I am going on record here and saying that I have NOT purchased any membership but my own, I have sold numerous memberships but each and every person, including my kids made their own decisions and paid for their membership.

As far as any candidate assuring that there will be an increase in entry fees, sounds like they have a God complex. Any politician can put that suggestion forward but there are various pieces of legislation that deal with right of entry, so no premier can arbitrarily dictate what any company will pay.

Another tactic to get votes....and by the look of it people are falling for it hook line and sinker!

[cowman]

Well is buying someone a membership illegal or something? All the leadership contenders do it...so how is it evil if I do it?
coppertop: The premier has a lot of pull? Fact is he can get a lot of things done and getting the entry raised is not a big deal, like you imply? Do you really think the leader of the party has no pull? Come on you've been around the political block?
Dinning said he would look at all the legislation regarding surface leases as well as the royalty structure to the province? Of course thats all he said "I'll look at it"!...which pretty well covers his whole platform!
Don't know what Stelmach had to say as I never paid much attention to what he had to say. Guess I never thought he would be anything more than an "also ran"? Assuming he is the great defender of rural Alberta and agriculture, I am sure he would be advocating better prices for farmers? Certainly better entry prices than we got 27 years ago?