Transportation summit planned Saskatchewan sets agriculture export record for third straight year
Even Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle Stewart admitted there weren’t any specific agricultural initiatives in last week’s throne speech, but he said that’s because things are going pretty well.
“I think the main message is that this government supports agriculture,” he said.
“The throne speech sets out new directions, and I think producers can probably take from this throne speech that the government is reasonably satisfied with the direction that we have been taking and that we believe most producers are.”
The speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield Oct. 22 to open the fall sitting of the legislature, said the government will continue to be a strong advocate for agriculture.
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The province will host a New West Partnership transportation summit in early November to discuss with Alberta and British Columbia how to improve the region’s system, particularly after last year’s grain backlog.
“We need an efficient transportation system because the success of our agriculture industry depends on our ability to export,” the speech said.
The province set a third consecutive record last year for agriculture exports at $11.7 billion.
The speech said improved cellular and Internet service is critical to the sector. SaskTel is doubling available internet speed in 220 rural communities and improving cellphone service in 111 communities by adding to its 4G network.
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president David Marit said he was happy to hear that.
“Farmers are trading their grain on the combine now so it’s important,” he said.
Doug Gillespie, president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, said he was pleased to hear the government reiterate its support for free trade agreements and reduction of barriers such as country-of-origin labelling in the United States.
Infrastructure upgrades are great for everybody, he said.
The government also repeated its intention to use public private partnerships to undertake those upgrades.
“My government is also evaluating an innovative proposal from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities that would use federal, provincial and municipal funding to leverage private sector investment in rural roads,” said the speech.
Marit declined to reveal too many details other than to say SARM believed new funding models had to be found. The board took a proposal to the highways ministry several months ago after consulting with members.
“Now we hear it’s in the throne speech, so we will wait to see in the budget of 2015 how far the province is ready to go with our proposal,” he said.
“We’re pretty sure it’s going to work out well for all parties.”
The government also identified rail capacity as a priority and said strengthening short-line railways is part of that commitment. A spokesperson said that refers to the Canadian Transportation Act review and ensuring the provincial railways’ concerns and needs are met during that process.
Stewart said agricultural companies will benefit from a new growth tax incentive announced in the speech. The incentive will be tied to new jobs created by manufacturers and exporters working to expand sales outside Saskatchewan.
Meanwhile, the speech did not set out a timeline for new agricultural drainage regulations, which are expected next spring.
Environment minister Scott Moe said further consultations are going on after nearly 500 online submissions were received earlier this year.
“It’s been 30 years since they’ve been updated and I think it’s important that we do the full consultation prior to bringing out the regs,” Moe said.
The NDP opposition said it was disappointed there was nothing in the speech to address illegal drainage, flooding and grain transportation.
