Sask NDP is demanding the provincial government reverse its support for the controversial Bunge-Viterra merger, joining the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) in opposing the deal, which they say will harm farmers and cost Saskatchewan jobs.
APAS recently highlighted a letter from the federal Competition Bureau to the Minister of Transport, warning that the merger would significantly damage the agriculture sector and urging Transport Canada to reconsider its approval.
“The federal and provincial governments need to listen to our hardworking producers and pump the brakes on this deal,” said Carla Beck, Sask NDP Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
“This merger will be a gut punch to our agriculture sector and the many rural communities that rely on it. Two-hundred head office jobs in Regina and canola crush plants are also on the chopping block.”
The University of Saskatchewan estimates that the merger could cost farmers $770 million annually in lost revenue. Beck also noted that Saskatchewan farmers already face uncertainty amid potential 25% tariffs under the new U.S. administration, making the merger’s impact even more concerning.
Despite widespread opposition from Saskatchewan farmers and agricultural groups, the Saskatchewan Party government has yet to take a stance against the deal. Records show that a major Sask. Party donor lobbied Premier Scott Moe and senior government officials on behalf of Bunge before the merger was announced.
“The Sask Party has been silent as this merger is set to take hundreds of millions annually out of pockets of Saskatchewan producers,” said Beck.
“The real question is: why won’t they stand up? This deal sells out our producers and we’re going to fight it every step of the way.”
With mounting pressure from farm groups and the Official Opposition, all eyes are now on the provincial government to see if it will break its silence and stand with Saskatchewan producers against the controversial merger.
