Premier Brad Wall is looking forward to Manitoba joining the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.
That agreement, made in 2010 with Alberta and British Columbia, created barrier-free trade among the participating provinces.
Despite an open invitation, Manitoba’s government never took up the offer to join. That will likely change, as new Progressive Conservative premier-elect Brian Pallister has long made it clear he wants the province to sign on.
“We’ve had some procurement disagreements with Manitoba that would have been solved if they were part of the New West Partnership,” said Wall.
A trade dispute flared up last year when Manitoba’s NDP government accused Saskatchewan of limiting its Crown corporation contracts to the provinces in the partnership.
Agreements were still made between Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Wall’s government signed a hydro-power purchase agreement last fall with Manitoba that will see power flow to this province for 20 years starting in 2020.
Wall said he hoped to speak with Pallister on Wednesday to congratulate him and begin laying the ground work for the rapid inclusion of Manitoba in the New West Partnership.
“Hopefully it allows Saskatchewan companies to more effectively bid for projects in Manitoba and visa-versa,” he said.
Manitoba’s inclusion would likely have an impact on those living close to the border between that province and Saskatchewan.
“They live across the border, but the border really doesn’t exist for them,” he said. “It would be nice if it didn’t exist in many other respects as well, in terms of harmonizing as much as we can between our provinces.”
MLAs to return May 17
Set your calendar for May 17, as that’s the day the Throne Speech will be read. That will kick off the new session of the legislature.
It’s expected Wall’s government will focus on the economy, provincial finances and making provincial interests known on a federal stage.
Dome comes unwrapped the day before
Covered by a monolithic white square for more than a year, the renovations on the legislative building are now nearly complete.
It cost $21 million — $6 million more than expected — and is behind schedule. This is a well-timed unveiling, taking place May 16, one day before government returns.
Budget will be one of the toughest for Wall
A deficit budget will be made public June 1. Wall said this one “will be right up there with the toughest ones” he has had to pass since being elected.
Cuts aren’t expected to the big spending ministries of education, health and social services — but everything else is likely up for grabs as the government looks for savings. The 2016-17 budget will be Wall’s fifth deficit budget in nine years.
Prime minister coming to Saskatchewan
Justin Trudeau will make his first stop in southern Saskatchewan since being elected prime minister. The prime minister will be in Saskatchewan next week.
No meeting is booked with Wall, but if there was one the premier said he would want to talk about a “pipeline or two” and federal employment insurance benefits with Trudeau.
