NDP MLA’s on the Saskatchewan Standing Committee on the Economy are calling for an emergency meeting.

This follows two major agricultural projects in Regina being put on hold by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL).  FCL put an indefinite “pause” on plans to build a canola crushing plant and a renewable diesel facility in Regina. The FCL projects had been slated to create 2,500 construction jobs and another 300 permanent positions. Both were put on the shelf due to what FCL called “political uncertainty, rising costs and potential shifts in low-carbon public policy. “

“We’re talking about billions of dollars and thousands of jobs—gone in a week and not a single word from the Sask. Party,” said Sally Housser, the NDP Shadow Minister for Energy & Resource Development. “This isn’t the time for radio silence.”

The three NDP’s MLA’s—Housser, Tajinder Grewal and Kim Breckner—say their party supports the removal of PST on value-added projects to help address cost concerns. Breckner says the best way to defend against potential tariffs is to build our economy and get more value for the resources we own.

The NDP is also looking for a more detailed response from the provincial government regarding conditions attached to Bunge’s purchase of Viterra, including only a five-year commitment to maintain a head office in Regina. Farm organizations have raised concerns on what a sale would do to competition both in Saskatchewan and at export position.

(photo from left to right: NDP MLA”s Kim Breckner, Tajinder Grewal and Sally Housser)