Saskatchewan’s new environment minister says he needs time to talk to officials before commenting on new drainage regulations.
The new regulations, which would curb unauthorized ditching and drainage of agricultural land, have been in the works for months. They were expected this summer but officials said a firm date has not yet been established.
Herb Cox, the MLA for The Battlefords, took over the portfolio from Scott Moe May 21 in a small cabinet shuffle at Government House. This is Cox’s first cabinet post.
Moe moved to advanced education, replacing Kevin Doherty, who moved to finance. Outgoing finance minister Ken Krawetz is not running again in the next election, expected next spring.
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Krawetz had also been deputy premier since the Saskatchewan Party took office in 2007. That post went to Don McMorris, who retains his Crown Investment Corp., Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and Saskatchewan Government Insurance duties as well.
Government relations minister Jim Reiter was given added responsibility for SaskTel.
Cox had been serving as government whip; Paul Merriman of Saskatoon Sutherland replaced him.
Cox’s duties include responsibility for the Water Security Agency and SaskWater.
Premier Brad Wall said Cox was a natural fit for the post because of his interest in aquatic invasive species and water quality.
“He has a passion for the environment,” Wall told reporters. “He’s been a leading force, a champion on the invasive species issue.”
Zebra mussels are a serious issue for Saskatchewan lakes, the premier said, and Cox brought the concern to caucus to help raise awareness.
Cox said he became aware of the issue through his work as a provincial representative to the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, or PNWER.
“It’s something that I’m passionate about, that if those things get into our province we’re in big trouble,” he said. “We have to keep them out.”
Earlier this month Saskatchewan changed its fisheries regulations to add Asian carp to its list of invasive species. Zebra and quagga mussels were already on the list.
The new minister also said he wants more information on global warming and climate change.
“Those are the kind of things that I want to talk to my officials about and find out where we’re at in terms of the science,” he said. “Perhaps there’s more to do.
“I don’t think it’s made up but I want to dig deeper into the science of it and find out what’s going on and what we can do to do our part to either delay it or stop it all together.”
On the question of drainage, he said he intends to continue with the work that’s already underway.
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