Irrigation benefits few
The Scott Moe Saskatchewan government, through the Water Security Agency, has changed the focus on managing water resources for a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people to using water as an economic driver.
This priority on irrigation development benefits only a select few and leaves the rest of us high and dry. The lack of concern for the environment, drinking water for thousands of Saskatchewan residents and tourism including recreational use of our reservoirs affects all of us.
In spring 2023, the Water Security Agency identified the potential for a significant increase in water allocation for irrigation from Duncairn Reservoir, supporting the Saskatchewan government’s 2030 Plan for Growth.
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The Duncairn Dam was built in 1942 by the PFRA and formed a good-sized reservoir known as Reid Lake. Its purpose was to provide water storage and flood control in the Swift Current Creek.
Development for large irrigation projects (Rush Lake, Herbert and Waldeck) occurred during the 1950s, whereas development of smaller individual irrigation projects occurred in the 1970s. In 1948, Duncairn Reservoir was designated as a migratory bird sanctuary by the federal government.
The Swift Current Creek basin has had a moratorium on new water allocations since 1981 due to supply constraints in the southwest.
Water Security’s own studies with the proposed additional irrigation show that the water in the reservoir will be drawn down 62 per cent from full capacity to the conservation drawdown limit, in one out of every two years, and could result in winterkill of the fish. At the limit, irrigation would be terminated. The flow of water to the City of Swift Current would continue but at what quality?
Citizens of Saskatchewan, we cannot allow this expansion of irrigation to proceed without consideration of the effects on the environment including the fishery and migratory birds, the threat to drinking water supply for the City of Swift Current and the preservation of the recreational use of Reid Lake for future generations.
Dwight and Carol Lemon
Reid Lake, Sask.
Carbon tax opportunity
Let me state categorically and without reservation that the carbon tax is pure nonsense premised on nonsense and will achieve nothing positive. That said, the carbon tax is the biggest opportunity in Canadian history since 1982 to address what is wrong with our nation.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau had a vision for Canada; the wrong vision. His ideals attempted and have nearly been successful in largely destroying the Westminster Parliamentary tradition of our nation in favour of something else.
Today we see this something else, where our legislators do not vote on line item expenditures and local constituents have no power to determine their candidates for election. As this has been the progressive norm for 50 years, it is not even addressed as the core cause of the problem.
But the results are undeniable: from Pierre Trudeau’s initial election and entrance into cabinet, Canada has descended from the third highest per capita GDP in the world to barely competing for the 25th space. Moreover, his illustrious prodigy has overseen the rise of tent cities in all major urban centres of our nation. Bravo!
With the current calamity one might tend to become despondent. With crisis, however, comes opportunity. The opportunity is this: seven provinces have now called for a halt to the disastrous tax. But they are missing the real opportunity. Seven is the magic number required to reopen the constitution and it need not have federal approval or cooperation.
The British North America Act contemplated the geographic challenges by dividing the powers of the Crown between the federal and provincial governments. Since the Second World War, the federal government has constantly encroached upon the rights of the provinces. This has been achieved by the federal powers of taxation and the use of strings attached to funding mechanisms that should be provincial jurisdictions.
The opportunity to reopen the constitution uniquely lies in front of us now. If led by premiers Smith and Ford, we could sharply curtail federal powers once and for all; while preserving the taxation elements necessary for an advanced economy with adequate social programs nationally.
This opportunity should be championed by all premiers, by all First Nations and Metis leaders, indeed by all Canadians. The carbon tax may be exactly what Canada needs to get us back on track.
Don’t worry Justin, your legacy is secure. Weed will remain legal.
Jason Dearborn
Kindersley, Sask.
