Saskatchewan, one of three provinces that has refused to sign last
summer’s agricultural policy framework agreement, is warming up to the
idea of joining.
Part of the reason is Ottawa’s proposal that funding under the APF be
distributed to the provinces on the basis of need, rather than the
present Fredericton formula that sets provincial allocation in part on
relative sizes of provincial farm economies.
Saskatchewan minister Clay Serby said Nov. 29 it would mean an
additional $20 million for Saskatchewan each year, based on historical
patterns of need.
One of the key reasons he has cited for refusing to sign the APF is the
lack of information about Saskatchewan’s share.
“I’m certainly feeling a bit more comfortable about the way in which
the design is looking, where we have greater recognition for crop
insurance,” Serby said.
“The Fredericton formula is not applying in the new proposal and that
also is helpful, although that still is subject to negotiations. But I
am feeling more comfortable, yes.”
