Saskatchewan products benefit from environmentally and financially sustainable processes and location
The Saskatchewan government plans to introduce standards and a brand for sustainably made products.
Last week’s throne speech announced that Sustainable Saskatchewan will be launched this year to promote the high quality and environmental sustainability of products, particularly those going to other countries.
Premier Scott Moe said export customers have said they value the quality and competitive price of Saskatchewan-made products and how they are produced.
He said products from agriculture, mining, forestry, innovation and technology go to more than 150 countries.
“One very important item…is how that product is actually produced and how it’s delivered,” he said. “When you look at the agri-food products that Saskatchewan produces it’s among the most sustainable in the world from a carbon perspective or from a soil, water, air perspective.”
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He said the energy industry is making sustainability strides, too.
“If the rest of the world produced oil like we do in Saskatchewan you would reduce global emissions due to oil production by 25 percent overnight. That is a statement in itself.”
Moe said customers are looking for environmental sustainability and the province wanted to provide a mechanism to ensure them that’s what they are buying.
Other agriculture measures in the legislative agenda include adding $2.5 million for water development following the devastating drought of 2021 and an enhanced Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive.
This is a non-transferable tax rebate for investment in new or expanded facilities.
The speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty, noted nearly $10 billion in capital projects announced in the last several months including three new canola crush plants and a major expansion, a wheat straw pulp facility, new urea fertilizer plant, new potash mine, new oriented strand board mill and expansions at sawmills, as well as a new seeder manufacturing facility.
“Together, these new projects announced during this most challenging time represent a tremendous vote of confidence in our province, our people and our future,” the speech said.
Provincial exports rose by almost 35 percent in 2021.
