Farmers need better, not bigger, government, says NDP leadership candidate Chris Axworthy.
“I don’t think you need more bureaucrats, more civil servants,” said the 53-year-old former law professor and member of Parliament who now represents a Saskatoon constituency in the legislature.
He sees government as a partner with rural people, especially those entrepreneurs who want to make their industry more valuable and profitable.
“Plainly we have to hold Ottawa’s feet to the fire” to provide more financial assistance for farmers, he said. “But we as a provincial government have to focus on what we can do here at home.”
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Axworthy’s plan for rural Saskatchewan includes reducing education tax on land and the cost of education for rural families, providing technical and financial support for processing, ensuring a first class transportation system and establishing new funding to achieve a diversified agricultural economy.
He has proposed a tax incentive program that would see a 30 percent tax credit for individuals who invest in a business or project in the province. The credit would be available on the first $1 million.
“It’s likely to be more useful in rural areas,” Axworthy said, although he admits some farmers don’t have the money to invest. But the vehicle could be a good way to enhance the partnership between urban and rural residents.
Axworthy also suggested the work of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership could be beefed up to gain more markets for producers.
Other promises include keeping ambulance costs for rural residents in line and abolishing health districts.
He said government has to listen to what rural people say they need.
“I’m sure the answer isn’t in bigger government.”
