ALL PARTY MEETING UNITED ON A FAIR DEAL ON EQUALIZATION

Released on February 22, 2005

A historic meeting held Friday, February 18th, between Premier Lorne Calvert, Opposition Leader Brad Wall, provincial Liberal Leader David Karwacki, Saskatchewan's Conservative Members of Parliament and two of the province's Senators, concluded with a call for fair treatment for Saskatchewan in the way Ottawa deals with equalization and recognition of natural resource revenues.

"It is very satisfying to see all elected members and leaders, of whatever political stripe, come together in solidarity on such a significant issue to the people of Saskatchewan," Calvert said. "There was agreement that the Prime Minister needs to sit down with Saskatchewan, exactly as he did with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and work out an arrangement that would see Saskatchewan's energy revenues fully exempt from the clawback rates under the equalization program."

The Premier added that there was general agreement that non-renewable energy revenues are one-time in nature and should be retained by the rightful provincial owners of those resources. "By being able to keep 100 per cent of our energy revenues, we will be able to reinvest these funds to grow the Province's economy, enabling Saskatchewan to be a have province."

"We need to begin the negotiation of a Saskatchewan Energy Accord by sitting down with Paul Martin and his Finance Minister," Calvert said. "I look forward to a quick and positive response from the Prime Minister on this request."

The Premier noted that the determination of the people of Saskatchewan has won great victories in the past. "Now, in the case of Equalization, we have a good case built on fairness, equity and logic -- and that appeals to all Canadians no matter where they live."

The meeting included a briefing of Saskatchewan's position on equalization, followed by discussion on how to move forward. In addition to the presentation of a common front to the Prime Minister, other opportunities to work co-operatively could include issuing a joint resolution in the upcoming Legislature, outreach initiatives to bring Saskatchewan's case to the people of Canada and meeting with the relevant legislative committees including the House of Commons Finance Committee.

When asked whether his government would resort to the tactic of pulling down the Canadian flag in Saskatchewan, Calvert said: "I can assure you that this government, whatever its disagreement with the federal government, will never pull down the Canadian flag. The people of Saskatchewan are proud Canadians and love their country, and we won't let a political dispute undermine our pride in being Canadian."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306)787-6349 Cell: (306)539-3994