Released on October 28, 2010
Government To Seek All-Party Support in Legislature Today
Premier Brad Wall today thanked Alberta Premer Ed Stelmach for backing Saskatchewan's stand against the proposed foreign takeover of PotashCorp by BHP Billiton.
"It means a lot that one of our New West partners and the Premier of another resource-rich province is standing with the government and people of Saskatchewan in this important matter," Wall said. "Obviously, Premier Stelmach is someone who believes in encouraging investment, but he understands that this deal is different and would be harmful to Canada's strategic interest in this important resource."
In his comments, Stelmach noted this difference, saying that Alberta's energy sector involves "a multitude of investors" buying parcels of land to develop the resources and that the potash bid would be similar "to all oil companies being bought by one large oil company."
Wall said Stelmach's support will strengthen Saskatchewan's case as it works to convince Ottawa to reject the takeover bid.
Today in the Legislative Assembly, Wall will introduce a motion calling on the federal government not to approve the proposed takeover.
"We will be asking for all members of the Assembly to speak with one voice and send a clear message to Ottawa that the people of Saskatchewan oppose this takeover," Wall said.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927