Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe pledged increased revenue sharing money for municipalities at the annual Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention in Regina Monday.
Moe told the audience of delegates from across Saskatchewan that funding under the municipal revenue sharing program will total $278 million in the next fiscal year – an increase of $27 million and the highest in history.
“That is the highest amount that has ever flowed from this program,” said Moe.
Revenue sharing would rise year over year 11 per cent.
“This large increase, this massive increase in revenue sharing tells you all you need to know about why we are so committed to growth. Revenue sharing has grown by some 119 per cent because our economy has grown. That growth has allowed us to make investments in our communities so we have stronger communities right across this province.”
The premier also had comments about the broader issues impacting the province. He spoke of the province’s Growth Plan, and also pledged continued balanced budgets. It would include “the largest investment in municipal infrastructure in Saskatchewan’s history.”
Moe made a familiar pitch for pipelines and for the free movement of oil.
“There is an urgent need in this nation for more pipeline capacity,” said Moe, who spoke once again against federal bills C-69 and C-48. “We are not allowing ourselves to ship oil off the B.C. coast,” said Moe.
Moe also indicated the feds seemed more open to discussing their concerns since the election.
“We want a reasonable conversation with the federal government on the collective challenges we face,” Moe said.
Moe also delivered extensive remarks on the ongoing dispute in Regina between Unifor 594 and Federated Co-operatives Ltd., where barricades have been set up at the Co-op refinery.
The premier told delegates the dispute has “degenerated to the point where people are flagrantly breaking the law.” He said there has been a “reluctance to bargain in good faith”
“This is not the Saskatchewan way,” said Moe.
Moe extended an offer towards resolving the labour dispute. The premier told delegates he would appoint a special mediator that day, on the condition that Unifor 594 “follow the law and abide by the court orders that have been put in front of them.”
“To put it plainly I will appoint a special mediator today, if, and only if, Unifor 594 follows the law. It is our strong belief that a negotiated settlement is possible and it is in the best interests of both parties. By removing the barricades and accepting the assistance of a special mediator in these negotiations, I believe both parties will be well served.”
If the offer was not accepted, Moe said the dispute will continue but “what will not continue are the illegal activities at the Co-op refinery.”
Moe said it was his expectation that Regina Police Service would enforce the law and “remove the illegal barricades at the refinery.”
