Saskatchewan government is under growing criticism after two major value-added projects were recently halted, risking billions in economic benefits and hundreds of jobs.
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) announced Friday it would indefinitely pause its renewable diesel facility and canola crush joint venture, just days after news that Viterra’s canola crushing plant could be in doubt following the company’s merger with Bunge.
Premier Scott Moe and his ministers have not released a plan to protect jobs or investments, prompting Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck to question the government’s silence.
“Where are these guys?” said Beck.
“The Sask Party is the first to show up with golden shovels for a photo-op, but as the province loses billions, they’re missing in action.”
FCL’s project was expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 300 permanent positions, contributing $4.5 billion to Saskatchewan’s economy.
The Sask NDP said the recent cancellations show the government prioritizes out-of-province profits over local producers.
A University of Saskatchewan report estimates that the Viterra-Bunge merger alone could cost crop producers $770 million in annual revenue.
While Moe once pledged to “stand up for the agriculture industry,” he has yet to comment on either development.
“If the members opposite [Sask NDP] think for one minute that myself or this Ag minister or this government or the MLAs on the governing side are not going to stand up for the agriculture industry and the ag producers and all of those that are involved, whether it be in downtown Saskatchewan or across this great province, Mr. Speaker, they got another thing coming,” said Moe on May 2, 2024.
Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison has also remained silent amid lobbying efforts by a Calgary-based political insider and Sask Party donor representing Bunge.
“There hasn’t been a single crop producer I’ve talked to who has said that this merger will increase competition and increase revenue here in Saskatchewan,” said Beck.
“It’s just shipping the profits of grain farmers out of the country. This is once again the Sask Party putting the profits of out-of-country international companies over the livelihoods of Saskatchewan producers.”
Beck and the Sask NDP have urged the government to remove the provincial sales tax from construction costs for value-added projects such as canola crushing facilities, aiming to ease expenses.
“It’s time we had a government that actually stands up and focuses on those working hard to put food on tables rather than c-suite executives in the United States,” said Beck.
