Our Blog
Topic: Public
1
MAY
Nearly seventy years ago in 1944, the government of Saskatchewan passed the Saskatchewan Government Insurance Act, creating the provincial Crown Corporation, known today as SGI. Within a year, on May 1, 1945, Saskatchewan SGI officially sold its first policy. SGI was originally created to assist with problems in the Saskatchewan insurance industry, due largely to poor economic conditions that had forced private insurers to leave the province. According to SGI’s 2012 Annual Report, at the time of SGI’s creation, less than 10 per cent of licensed Saskatchewan vehicles carried any ins...
27
MAR
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 2013 AGM in Regina last night. The event was well attended by our members and guests from the community.Jennifer Britton, Coordinator of SOS Crowns provided a campaign update as well as overview of the state of Crowns in Saskatchewan – highlighting the areas that have been sold off and contracted out, as well as policy decisions that restrict Crown growth. Simon Enoch, Director of the Saskatchewan Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), gave an explanation of privatization initiates across Canada with respect to the continue...
11
JAN
The StarPhoenix Editorial Board makes one valid point in its January 10, 2013 opinion piece “Politics worsen electrical woes” – the sooner we come to grips with reality, the sooner SaskPower’s problems can be fixed. The problem is the ideological decision making of the Government of Saskatchewan that undermines our Crowns evidenced by privatizing our power production and divided-stripping.Nearly 20 per cent of the power produced in the province in the coming years has been privatized through Power Purchase Agreements that take money away from the Crown and into pr...
13
DEC
Yet again the provincial government has approved a Crown rate hike - effective January 1, 2013, most customers will see a rate increase between $4 - $6 per month.Although the government claims that SaskPower has not raised rates since August 2010, they did take a $120-million special dividend. Money that could have been used to invest in infrastructure upgrades that are being cited as reasoning for this rate increase.When looking at rate increases, it is also important to consider the Crown utilities bundle that is offered to customers in Saskatchewan. Prior to 2007, our province was commited ...
20
NOV
Well the Sask Party government has done it again – yesterday a bill was introduced in the Saskatchewan legislature that will allow the government to privatize Information Services Corporation (ISC). The government cites the inability to invest outside of the province as reasoning for the privatization of ISC. Perhaps they need to conduct some research into why that cannot happen...and they need not look very far. It is in fact their own ideological Sask First Policy that restricts the investments of Crown Corporations, like ISC, and limits out-of-province investments.Since 2007, ISC has ...
20
NOV
News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 20, 2012Government sets stage for ISC privatizationFollowing weeks of limbo for Information Services Corp (ISC), SOS Crowns is disturbed by the Sask Party government announcement to privatize up to 60 per cent of the Crown Corporation.Since 2007 ISC has posted nearly $100-million in net income, much of which is returned to the people of the province through dividends. In 2011, ISC’s annual report detailed the organization’s financial stability and healthy bottom line. However, the Crown has been unable to offer their services and expertise ...
5
NOV
SOS Crowns is very disappointed today with the government’s decision to further stifle the growth of our Crown Corporations, while allowing more opportunity for private companies. Less than two weeks ago, Premier Wall hinted that the government was considering privatizing any new liquor stores. As the population in the province continues to grow, so to has the demand for access to liquor stores. Currently, the Saskatchewan Liquor & Gaming Authority (SLGA) has 79 SLGA locations as well as 188 rural franchises. Most locations are open six days per week, with some locations also open on...
26
OCT
Fall session of the Legislature in Saskatchewan officially opened yesterday, with the government confirming that there will be big changes happening in the province with up to 40 pieces of legislation being introduced.A hot topic that has sparked debate in recent days is the government’s plan to introduce more private liquor stores in the province.The idea of privatizing Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming (SLGA), has almost always been quite controversial. Today in the province, those choosing to purchase alcohol have the option of purchasing from one of 79 SLGA locations or 188 rural ...
9
OCT
Yesterday we learned from CBC that the United States House Intelligence Committee is warning their own government, with a “blunt warning” for Canada to steer very clear of Chinese-based Huawei. Following a year-long investigation, Mike Rogers, chair of the U.S. House of Intelligence Committee stated, “"There are bugs, back doors going on in Huawei gear. We've had lots of reports of that happening in just the few places they are in, in the United States. And, I will bet my bottom dollar, as we say in the United States, that that activity is happening in Canada as well.”O...
6
OCT
Saskatchewan is a public of working people with a strong foundation of Crown Corporations. From Stony Rapids to Estevan, and everywhere in between, Crowns work for us every single day; our families, our friends, our neighbours. Our Crowns embrace our social responsibility by developing a diverse workforce, supporting our communities financially and through volunteerism and investing in Saskatchewan’s future and environment. When Crowns generate revenue it is returned to each and every one of us. We see this in our schools, our roads, our hospitals, and many other areas. When the go...
1
OCT
It seems as though the residential and business customers in rural Saskatchewan who require access to High Speed Internet services have been given a second chance by Industry Canada. Following two years of consultation with business, government, and residents, Industry Canada made the decision to change the way that spectrum, or radio frequency, is allocated between network providers across the country. This means that SaskTel would no longer be able to provide Wireless Broadband Internet (WBBI) service to rural customers across the province. Access to, and ownership of, the Canadian wir...
17
SEP
Earlier week, Premier Brad Wall and SaskTel President and CEO RonStyles ventured overseas to sign a significant new agreement withChinese-based Huawei.According to a SaskTel news release, the agreement encompasses a trial in atleast three rural communities in the province to "help determine thefeasibility of wireless broadband and voice services for customers inpredominately rural locations" as well as "the provisioning of equipment"for local landline service infrastructure. The trial period will begin inDecember of this year and continue until August 2013.SOS Crowns has a number of concerns a...
6
SEP
Later this fall, the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel (SRRP) will hold public meetings regarding the proposed rate increase at SaskPower that would take effect in the beginning of next year.Saskatchewan residents will have the opportunity to hear from SaskPower regarding the pending rate increases but you can also submit your personal comments in person, by mail, or electronically. The following meetings will be held:
Saskatoon – Sept 19, 1:30pm at the Delta Bessborough
Regina – Oct 2, 7:30pm at the Ramada Hotel
According to the rate application, SaskPower is “recommendi...
30
JUL
For those of you that have not had a chance to catch some of the newspapers throughout the province this month, here are a couple of articles involving our Crown Corporations that might be of interest to you:“Energy tale of two provinces” by Bruce Johnstone was printed in the Leader-Post on July 14, 2012. In a comparison between Saskatchewan and Alberta, Johnstone explains, “Remember when energy deregulation was all the rage? The old monopoly utilities were going to go the way of the dodo. In their place would be efficient, profit-driven private companies competing for consum...
4
JUN
Recently Premier Wall announced a cabinet shuffle and the creation of the Ministry of the Economy with the main purpose to make sure that “we can consistently implement our growth plan for the province” and to ensure the “government’s not getting in the way of growth.” With Bill Boyd now in charge of the new Economy portfolio, our question is this: will Crown Corporations be included in the province’s growth plan? For decades, Crowns have given Saskatchewan the advantage of being an affordable place to live and provides good jobs for nearly 12, 000 people.&n...
28
MAY
With the current government selling off bits and pieces of our power industry to out-of-province power companies, today we take a few minutes to look into Saskatchewan’s future power industry. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s), in their simplest terms, are contracts with private power companies to supply power to the Saskatchewan grid. Many PPA’s are signed for ‘peak load’ power, which means that when Saskatchewan is using a high amount of power, SaskPower can purchase excess from these providers. In some cases, our government is actually signing agreements are fo...
14
MAY
As stated in Murray Mandryk’s column in the Leader-Post earlier this month, ‘Healthy Crowns can’t be privatized,’ it was very obvious how practical it is to maintain healthy Crown Corporations. Although it may be true that some businesses could function effectively in the private sector, it has been proven across Canada that privatization doesn’t benefit consumers over the long term. Consider the state of the electricity in Alberta, where consumers are being forced to pay for infrastructure upgrades, although the system has been deregulated for a decade. Edmonton ...
2
MAY
The results are beginning to roll in from our Crown Corporations about their performance and successes over the last year. It is undeniable that 2011 was an excellent year for Crowns in Saskatchewan, many posting higher profits than previous years. SaskPower posted record profits while SaskTel reached $1 billion in revenue for the sixth consecutive year.Crown Investment Corporation (CIC) predicts that 2012 will see a $273 million dividend to the provincial government, including a special dividend from SaskPower.What you might find in the fine print is that the government has increased Crown Co...
21
APR
Last year the government of Saskatchewan declared that April would be recognized as “Safe Digging Month” in the province “to increase public awareness on the importance of working safely around underground infrastructure.”However, there seems to be more and more stories about gas line hits in the news than ever before. Previously, Crowns including SaskTel, SaskPower, and SaskEnergy conducted their own line locates, which have all been contracted out to a private company. Christy Best, President of CEP Local 649 who represents members at both SaskEnergy and SaskPower, sa...
2
APR
Today we question a recent move by the current government which was conveniently left out of the budget speech last week.
Buried within departmental services when the government announced the most recent budget was an interesting move that seems to contradict their own basic ideologies--create a new Crown Corporation, or at least one with Treasury Board status. Of all the areas to go after, they choose tourism.
Tourism Saskatchewan has been operating as a separate entity from the provincial government for nearly two decades-which according to president and CEO LInda Haverstoc...
29
MAR
Following approval from the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel, the provincial government approved a SaskEnergy decrease yesterday that will take effect on April 1st.
The average residential customer who subscribes to equalized payments will see a monthly decrease of just over $6.00 per month.
SaskEnergy applied for the decrease in February stating low natural gas costs that are not expected to rise any time soon. This is the fourth consecutive price drop for the Crown Corporation....
20
MAR
In less than 24 hours the Saskatchewan government will publicize their next provincial budget. Premier Brad Wall has already made a number of announcements preparing the people of Saskatchewan for a ‘budget of cuts’. In fact, Wall warned that “nothing is off the table,” in terms of this year’s budget, including social programs, according to the Brandon Sun. In a province that has apparently been booming, it is interesting that the government is now warning everyone that it is time to tighten our belts. Last year the provincial budget heavily favoured business owne...
19
MAR
There was the sale of Hospitality Network, then contracting out Sasktel installation and other services to Ledcor (an out-of- province company), now it is a Jump.ca contract going to Ledcor. People, this government is slowly dismantling our Crowns one piece at a time.Our Crowns which are owned by all citizens of the province and benefit us all, are being sold to outof-province organizations that are benefiting. The profits for Saskatchewan people are slowly slipping away — profit that is used for infrastructure, health care, education etc. We, the owners of these Crowns, deserve better t...
Earlier this week the Stephen Harper government announced that they would be increasing competition in our national wireless sector including opening the doors to foreign investment, particularly affecting small telecommunications firms.Rita Trichur and Ian Marlow explained in the Globe and Mail, “The last burst of wireless competition, which began in the late 1990’s, ended with the new entrants succumbing to financial problems or selling out to the giants they had been fighting for years.” Basically, increased competition in the wireless market has seen the ‘Big Three&...
2
MAR
News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 2, 2012Government privatizes more Saskatchewan powerThe Brad Wall government announced Wednesday that an additional seven percent of Saskatchewan’s power is being privatized – reaching an alarming total of nearly 17 per cent by the end of 2016. SaskPower announced another Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Windlectric Inc. which is a subsidiary of Ontario-based Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (Algonquin).The new $355-million wind project will be located near Chaplin, Saskatchewan and will be fully operational by the end of 2016. Algonqui...
23
FEB
Today, the union representing workers at both SaskTel and Jump.ca, called into question the government’s decision to work in direct opposition of their own Sask First Policy. Mere weeks ago, SaskTel announced that Ledcor was the successful bidder on an upcoming contract for residential install and repair. Ledcor, which is headquartered in B.C., had been doing install work for SaskTel since September 2011. What we know for a fact is that SaskTel was paying Ledcor obscene amounts of money to complete installs during their six week contact last fall. Although it is complicated to explain th...
Although we are separated by distance, the shift of employers turning to the use of contracting out jobs rather than using their own employees seems to be a universal issue. One case that has been brought to our attention is a struggle happening in New Zealand at the Port of Auckland. The Port is owned by the people of Auckland through their Council but managed by a Board at arm’s length. Government legislation removed the requirement for the people of Auckland to agree to any privatization by referendum. Thus, the government has given themselves legislative power to privatize without co...
3
FEB
SaskTel President and CEO, Ron Styles, notified employees this week that they were no longer under the constraints of the government’s restrictive Sask First Policy. He stated that, “with the sale of The Hospitality Network in 2011, SaskTel completed the last divesture related to the Government of Saskatchewan’s SaskFirst Policy.” This is in addition to the sale of AgDealer, DirectWest Canada, Saskatoon Square, and Navigata. Although not all of the subsidiaries sold were core business assets, some are required for ongoing operation of our current business. An exam...
1
FEB
Today SOS Crowns will join thousands of students, working men and women, and community members across Canada to raise awareness about issues relating to post-secondary education.Skyrocketing tuition, mounting student debt, and the chronic underfunding of Canada's post-secondary institutions are just some of the issues that will discussed at the event.SOS Crowns is supporting the National Day Of Action because we believe that post-secondary education should be available and accessible to all people, so today we will stand in solidarity so that students' voices across the country can...
31
JAN
CEP Press ReleaseCommunications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 31, 2012One of Canada’s largest unions says SaskTel’s announcement of Saskatchewan work going to an out-of province Company is very suspicious timing considering the union has collective agreement talks and an arbitration case pending on the jurisdiction of the work Ledcor was awarded.SasTel announced last week that residential install and repair work is going to Alberta construction giant Ledcor. The work was formerly done by SaskTel employees and currently by Saskatchewan-based J...
29
JAN
Since SaskTel announced that Ledcor Technical Services was awarded a contract for residential install and repair services, the issue has received a large amount of attention.SOS Crowns was initially under the impression that the Ledcor contract that was chosen would cost significantly more than what it would cost SaskTel to have employees within the bargaining unit complete the work. We were also made aware that Saskatchewan-based Jump.ca submitted a proposal for the same contract, which also would have been a less expensive option for the Crown corporation.Trent Wotherspoon, NDP finance criti...
27
JAN
News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 27, 2012Saskatchewan LAST policy...or at least SaskTel lastEarlier this week SaskTel announced that Ledcor Technical Services, headquartered out of Vancouver, BC, would be partnering with the Crown utility to complete residential install and repair services in Regina and Saskatoon as well as seven other major districts. Ledcor will be bringing employees in from other provinces and taxpayers will be contractually obligated to adhere to a more expensive model than if SaskTel employees were completing the work.SOS Crowns was recently made aware Ledco...
The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) has been serving the people of Saskatchewan for over sixty years. Currently the STC provides passenger transportation and parcel express services to nearly three hundred communities in Saskatchewan. Aside from their three main terminals in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, STC also has nearly 200 rural agencies across this great province.Questioning whether transportation and parcel services should be in the hands of the private sector, rather than a publicly-owned Crown is not a new discussion. Our Crown corporations were designed and cu...
Our neighbours in Alberta are being told once again to expect rate increases for their monthly residential electricity - directly on the heels of an approximately $25 increase in December 2010.
Proponents of deregulation commonly tell consumers that increased competition in markets such as electricity will provide the lowest rates. Unfortunately for our neighbours in both Alberta and British Columbia, this simply has not been the case.
It was just over a year ago that residents in B.C. were told to expect rate increases that were directly related to the costly Power Purchase ...
2
DEC
There has been a lot of media buzz around SaskTel issues for a number of months in Saskatchewan...including not only network problems, but also problems with the RIM network for all Blackberry users which is out of SaskTel's control.However, until the last couple of weeks, the people of SaskTel have been gracious in affording SaskTel some time and space to deal with the growing pains of upgrading our cellular network.When Premier Brad Wall chimes in with dropped call irritations, it suddenly makes it into the official throne speech and has the media buzzing.In an article in the Saskatoon Star ...
24
NOV
With just over two weeks having passed since the Saskatchewan provincial election, Premier Brad Wall is already making comments that are stirring up conversations about whether or not SaskTel should be privatized.Over the years amidst increased competition, SaskTel has stacked up well to the much larger competitors across the country like Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Last year in a Consumer Reports Canada special report, SaskTel actually scored far above these other well known companies. SaskTel received the “highest marks across the board for voice connectivity-as in service with good cover...
2
NOV
Aside from the outright sale of Crown Corporations and their subsidiaries, the Brad Wall government has made significant policy changes that affect the future of Crowns in Saskatchewan.Sask First Policy One of the first major attacks on the future of our Crowns was the adoption of the Sask First Policy in late 2008. Although it is called a ‘policy framework’ according to a news release, it is unclear whether a formal written policy as even been produced. A CIC representative stated “There is no written policy available...Cabinet’s direction on the policy framework is es...
1
NOV
We you aware that in December 2010, BC Hydro customers were told to expect a near 30% price increase over the next 3 years? Government critics attribute the increase to failed Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and "the government forcing BC Hydro to buy expensive power from the private sector, instead of generating more power itself through public projects."Why would the Brad Wall government want to make the same mistakes other provinces have made?Only 3 months after BC residents were told to expect price increases, the Saskatchewan Party government entered into a 20-year PPA with Ontario-based ...
12
OCT
NEWS RELEASE - OCTOBER 12, 2011
Once again the people of Saskatchewan are being short-changed for the policy decisions made by the Brad Wall government. Using Crowns like their own cash cows and selling off subsidiaries for prices far below market value.Following the adoption of the Sask First policy, the Brad Wall government began the process to divest of a number of Crown Corporation subsidiaries including Navigata in 2009. Although Navigata did not provide SaskTel with steady income, the organization including their physical assets was sold for only $1.25 million. At that time, the...
21
SEP
In the final episode:
Unfortunately, the hot tub truck is no more. So instead, Chris, Mike, and Amy do a rap about
their experiences traveling around Saskatchewan this summer.
Want to see more of their adventure? Check out the other videos on our blog.
What did you think of our video series? Feel free to comment on our Facebook page....
19
SEP
In this episode, Chris, Mike, and Amy attend the Queen City Exhibition in Regina, and reflect on
the privatization of Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporations.
Are you concerned about the privatization of our crowns? Feel free to comment on our Facebook page....
6
SEP
In this episode, Chris, Mike, and Amy visit the Farmer’s Market in Regina, Saskatchewan, and hand out some SOS Crowns SWAG.
What do you think of our video series so far? Feel free to comment on our Facebook Page....
1
SEP
In this episode, Chris, Mike, and Amy attend the 7th Annual Gateway Music Festival inBengough, Saskatchewan. Did you know that Crown Corporations helped sponsor this event,among others? And that’s just one of the ways that crowns give back to the province, and help support the arts in our communities.
What do you think of our video series so far? Feel free to comment on our Facebook Page....
29
AUG
In this episode, Chris, Mike, and Amy head to Humboldt in the hot tub truck for the Canada Day
celebrations. Along the way, they sing a song about their experiences so far. Plus, the water in
the hot tub truck is finally hot.
What do you think of our video series so far? Feel free to comment on our Facebook page....
24
AUG
In this episode, Chris, Mike, and Amy go kayaking on beautiful Kenosee Lake in Moose
Mountain Provincial Park. In between, they ask people why Crown Corporations matter to them.
In 2010, 23 rental cabins at Greenwater Lake Provincial Park were sold to a Regina-based
property management company. The new private owner will add 10 more cabins.
At Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, a private company is developing a new campground.
Services that used to be provided by park staff, such as cutting firewood, maintaining hiking
trails, and sanitation services, are being turned ov...
18
JUL
Since 1929, SaskPower has been delivering services to residents throughout the province of Saskatchewan. Following the principles of Crown Corporations and the mandate to provide universal service, SaskPower began working in 1961 to ensure electricity was accessible to farms across the province. The Rural Electrification mandate resulted in nearly 60,000 farms being connected to the power grid.In Saskatchewan today, SaskPower uses a variety of technologies to supply electricity to residents and businesses. Currently SaskPower operates; • 3 coal-fired power stations• 7 hydroelectric s...
7
JUL
When we think global telecommunications, we tend to think about the large, innovative, multi-national organizations developing technology that gets used around the world. However, we often forget about some of the highly innovative organizations that are steps ahead many companies around the world. You don’t need to look very far if you want to find one of these organizations that we speak of. SaskTel has made an incredible contribution to the telecommunication industry both at home, and around the world, for decades. In 1984, this Crown Corporation who was known for offering phone servi...
4
JUL
For the first time in the Crown Corporations history, SaskWater has posted a surplus two years in a row. With a net income of $224,000, SaskWater is also able to proudly state that a record setting amount of $24.4 million was spent in the province of Saskatchewan in capital spending over the last year. Along with individual business and residential customers, SaskWater provides services to 57 Saskatchewan communities, 7 rural municipalities, and 85 rural pipeline groups. Another notable accomplishment according to SaskWater is an 88.5% customer satisfaction according to community, associatio...
4
JUL
An industry that once consisted of smoke signals and telegrams has evolved into fiber optic networks and High Speed internet service. Telecommunication is constantly changing and being upgraded. Where hand written letters are replaced with E-mails and text messages which allow people to connect nearly instantly. Television dials have been traded in for digital video recorders and 3-dimensional programming.According to the Worldwide Telecommunications Industry Revenues by Plunkett Research, Ltd. the global telecommunications industry represented nearly $4 trillion in revenue in 2008. ...
6
APR
At a news conference on Tuesday, president and CEO of SaskTel, Ron Styles announced the Crown Corporation will be spending $670 million over the next 7 years to expand bandwidth and SaskTel services throughout the province. This ambitious plan, according the Leader Post, includes spending $199 million in 2011 in the following areas:
$52 million to continue construction of 4G (fourth generation) wireless network, which will increase bandwidth by four times up to 21 Mbps download speed;
$27 million for a rural infrastructure program, including $15 million to upgrade highspeed Internet serv...
25
MAR
In Saskatchewan, SOS Crowns has been diligent in fighting the Saskatchewan government about their proposed introduction of a self-based water regulation system. Although it is sometimes unclear as to what each organization is responsible for, SaskWater is a Crown Corporation which is designed as a standalone company. As such, it is intended to generate revenue to fund capital costs and provide dividends to CIC which goes into the general revenue fund. They deliver both potable and non-potable water throughout the province and operate plants that treat water and deal with sewage. In compa...
1
MAR
Our current government continues to enter into power deals that protect private companies from increased fuel costs but pass increased costs onto Saskatchewan citizens.
In February 2010, SaskPower entered into a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ontario-based Northland Power Income Fund. Construction began near North Battleford in July 2010, with the plant scheduled to begin operations in 2013. Once fully operational Northland Power will produce 347 megawatts of base load power, representing nearly 10% of the power generated in Saskatchewan.
According to a Northland Power news rele...
1
FEB
In March, 2010 SaskTel announced the divesture of Hospitality Network (HospNet) and AgDealer. As well, SaskTel will be selling its real estate investment in Saskatoon Square and remain a tenant of the property. According to the Leader-Post, HospNet, also known as Hospitality Network, rents TVs and phones to hospital and nursing home patients across the country. Hospitality Network Canada Inc. had operating revenues of $29.4 million, in 2008. AgDealer, which is a trader-type magazine and website for agricultural equipment produced through DirectWest, while Saskatoon Square is a commercial bui...
6
JAN
Campaign co-ordinator Jennifer Britton joined John Gormley live to discuss the "Hey Buddy, This Isn't Alberta" billboards which are being displayed throughout the province including Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw currently. Minister Ken Chevaldayoff responded to the interview, followed by comments from various callers....
20
AUG
At the end of this month SaskPower will permanently close their office doors to walk-in customers in over 20 percent of their office locations across Saskatchewan.
Customers in Assiniboia, Biggar, Humboldt, Kamsack, Rosthern, and Weyburn as well as the thousands of people in surrounding areas, will no longer have the ability to make statement inquiries, book service calls or complete bill payments in their own community.
Closures of this nature signal the decline of equal Crown service levels for rural Saskatchewan and, furthermore, diminish the presence of our Crowns in rural communitie...
Today NDP House Leader Kevin Yates questioned why the Wall government is boasting of SGI license plate sales when it callously hurt a Saskatchewan small business in the process. Yates said the Wall Government failed to mention that the General License Plate Contract is no longer in the hands of a local Saskatchewan company which held the contract since 1971. SGI awarded the new contract to a larger company in Nova Scotia – Waldale Manufacturing Ltd. “We have seen this type of decision before with the Wall government in its tendering process. Instead of keeping jobs and work within...
10
MAY
On April 30th, 2010 the Brad Wall government along with British Columbia and Alberta, launched the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA). According to the government, “The New West Partnership is an ambitious agreement that will create Canada's largest interprovincial barrier-free trade and investment market.” In 2007, the people of Saskatchewan were against the province signing the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) with B.C. and Alberta, which premiere Brad Wall promised he would never sign. According to the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Presiden...
30
APR
The Saskatchewan Party Government officially wound down our broadcast Crown Corporation, as more proof of its commitment to destroy the Crowns despite assurances it will not.Following the release of the 2010 provincial budget in Saskatchewan, the government announced their plan to sell off Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN). At that point, the broadcaster could be seen be seen in 90% of Saskatchewan households as well as attracting audiences throughout Canada.Once the sale was announced, the government stated, “Outstanding contracts with film producers will be brought to a conclus...
13
APR
The government is destroying our Crowns like SaskTel by taking 100 percent of their dividends and forcing them to increase debt, while selling off profitable assets.
Following a record breaking year of operating income SaskTel will be forced to increase their debt-to-equity ratio in 2010 from approximately 24 percent to 36 percent. As Sarah Mills reported, our current government is partially to blame.
Due to the mismanagement of Saskatchewan’s finances, our current government is making up for their mistakes by once again tying the hands of our Crowns. “The g...
2
FEB
In a new Canadian survey done by Consumer Reports, SaskTel scored extremely well compared to other large players in the cell phone industry including Rogers, Telus, and Bell Mobility. With some 14,000 Canadians surveyed, with the exception of SaskTel and Virgin Mobile the most common complaint from cell phone users was the price associated with their service. SaskTel also saw the highest ratings in areas including voice connectivity and customer service. According to Consumer Reports, "With standout service from SaskTel and solid service from MTS, prairie residents have fine choices." To v...
Topics
- AGM
- Algonquin
- Billboard
- Budget
- CEP
- Chinese
- Commercial
- Contracting
- COPE
- Disclosure
- Dividends
- Energy
- Film credit
- Filmpool
- Hey Buddy
- Huawei
- Humboldt
- ISC
- Just Energy
- Labour
- Liquor
- Lumsden
- Moose Jaw
- Natural Gas
- NDP
- News
- Northland
- Parks
- Policy
- Power
- PPA
- Private
- Public
- Rate Increase
- Regina
- Reseller
- Rogers
- Rural
- Sask First
- Sask Party
- Saskatoon
- SaskEnergy
- SaskPower
- SaskTel
- SaskWater
- SCN
- SGI
- SLGA
- SRRP
- STC
- Surcharge
- Traveling
- Video
- Voting
- Water
- WBBI
- Wind
- Windlectric
- Wireless
- Xplornet