If Lorne Calvert is elected New Democratic Party leader and premier, rural Saskatchewan will see a lot more of the provincial cabinet.
Calvert has proposed a mobile cabinet office – a bus – that would travel regularly to rural areas.
“Government is government for everyone,” he said. “If you really want to know
the solutions, talk to the people having the problems.”
Calvert, 48, is a former cabinet minister from Moose Jaw whose leadership bid has earned the support of most of the current cabinet, including agriculture minister Clay Serby.
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Calvert said he would establish a ministry of rural revitalization to serve as a central point of contact for residents. The ministry would not replace agriculture and municipal affairs, he said, but would co-ordinate the efforts of those departments and others.
It would support economic opportunities and the special quality of life in rural areas.
Calvert also sees government’s role as leading and encouraging the individuals and farm groups seeking workable farm support programs.
The province should help farmers make the transition to new crops or livestock, either financially or with technical expertise.
“There may have to be some transitional funding,” Calvert said. “I’m not keen on programs that would simply help people leave.”
He added that government should be more active in helping producers and communities who want to explore short-line railways, regional railways and co-operative loading facilities.
He said the province needs a five-year highway and road network plan.
