Released on October 4, 2011
In a letter sent today to leading United States Senators and Speakers of State Legislatures, Premier Brad Wall raises serious concerns regarding the protectionism contained in the American Jobs Act of 2011, and asks for their support in helping to defeat the bill, now before the U.S. Congress.
"For the past four years, we have been working hard to tell the Saskatchewan story around the world to attract investment and make key contacts," Wall said. "Saskatchewan's unique position on strategic global issues like energy security and food security has opened many doors. We want to use those open doors to advocate for things like fair procurement."
Wall said Saskatchewan understands and supports the need for effective job creation efforts in the United States. However, the American Jobs Act will actually threaten jobs and economic development by disrupting the economy on both sides of the border.
"The Canadian and U.S. economies are highly integrated with protectionism causing harm to both economies," Wall said. "The way forward is to work together in a spirit of co-operation to increase our collective exports."
Wall said the long-term solution to these reoccurring difficulties over trade is to continue on with the work of exploring a comprehensive treaty on procurement that matches the current level of co-operation between United States and Canadian businesses.
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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