The Saskatchewan NDP is promising to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector if it forms government after the April 4 provincial election.
Leader Cam Broten released the party’s full platform in Saskatoon March 17, saying his plan would cut $178 million in waste in the first year and redirect $122 million of that to priorities.
Broten has already announced many of his party’s commitments, such as cutting emergency room wait times and rebuilding the film industry.
The platform also promises his government would hire hundreds of teachers and educational assistants, add staff to seniors’ homes and invest in infrastructure.
Read Also
Alberta crop conditions improve: report
Varied precipitation and warm temperatures were generally beneficial for crop development across Alberta during the week ended July 8, according to the latest provincial crop report released July 11.
All WP Saskatchewan election coverage is collected here.
Broten said the province can’t afford another Saskatchewan Party government.
“They let us down in the good times. We can’t afford them in the tough times,” he said.
The agriculture section of the platform includes: improve business risk management programs including AgriStability, AgriInvest and crop insurance implement a comprehensive water management and conservation strategy improve grain transportation and marketing through better rail access to the US, reviewing the allocation of producer cars to properly serve short-line railways, requiring grain companies to have “fair, clear contracts, which explicitly identify price, delivery location, payment terms and a resolution process,” establishing weekly inputs and grain price reports and consulting on potential incentives for short lines.
Protect the rights and interests of producers by modernizing surface rights legislation, establishing a Farmers’ Advocate Office, canceling the crown land sale program, which includes punitive rents for those who don’t buy, stopping the transition of federal pastures, re-opening the tree nursery at Indian Head, working with growers to support seed breeding and supporting local producers by buying their food for health, education and correctional facilities.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
