Premier-designate Brad Wall says the Saskatchewan Party is well aware of its rural roots and its responsibility to the province’s farmers.
Wall, elected to lead a majority government Nov. 7, made his first public appearance a day later at the Regina midterm convention of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.
The Saskatchewan Party won all of the rural seats en route to winning 38 in total, compared to the NDP’s 20. Those numbers could still change, however, as Sask Party candidates in three seats won by fewer than 100 votes and absentee ballots have yet to be counted.
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Wall drew two standing ovations from SARM delegates, and applause for his pledges to improve the crop insurance program, increase revenue sharing funds to municipalities and provide property tax relief.
He told them the government understands that the resources the province relies on to drive its economy come from rural areas.
“We’re going to work hard to be the kind of government that is going to reinvest back in rural Saskatchewan and not just cash the royalty cheques, so that this prosperity we see today can be for the long term,” he said.
Earlier, Wall told reporters that his government would not pursue intervener status in the court case involving changes to barley marketing by the Canadian Wheat Board, nor will it contribute any more funds to the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board.
“That will no longer continue,” he said in response to a reporter’s question.
“This is a federal issue, and it’s divisive certainly amongst producers and across the province, but we have had this as policy of the party for some time. We’re a party that supports choice.”
Wall said a majority of producers voted for change in the barley plebiscite and they will again have their say when the federal government holds a vote on wheat.
Stewart Wells, speaking for the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board, said he wasn’t surprised at that position.
“It’s clear that they’re in lockstep with Stephen Harper” in their determination to take away farmers’ benefits, he said.
Wells, who is also president of the National Farmers Union, said he is concerned that farmers and rural residents who supported the Sask Party will find they are going to lose many other benefits, such as the Canadian Grain Commission, because of the new government’s connection to the federal Conservatives.
Other agricultural leaders and farmers see things differently.
SARM president David Marit said he believes Wall is a man of his word and will implement his promises.
“He’s going to be a fantastic premier. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Glenn Blakley, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said a new government represents a fresh start on issues, including the relationship between Regina and Ottawa and how that translates into better farm programs.
Former Saskatchewan Wheat Pool president Marvin Wiens agreed.
He said that is a huge issue he recognized from his time with the Pool and as a farmer.
“It’s farmers who are caught in the middle,” he said.
Wiens predicted the Saskatchewan Party administration won’t be like the Grant Devine government and “throw money” at farmers but it will provide a fresh set of eyes and opinions on the issues.
“The province needed change,” he said.
