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Saskatchewan government, opposition believe more should be demanded from potash companies

Oct 7, 2010 | 6:43 AM

By Sarah Mills

The debate over the potential takeover of PotashCorp has the Saskatchewan government and NDP for once in agreement, although neither are quick to admit to it.

In different ways both seem to suggest the province should take the opportunity to demand more from the potash companies.

Regardless of any takeover of PotashCorp, the NDP is calling for its head office and all senior executives to be based — living and working — out of Saskatoon.

It is an idea Minister Bill Boyd is open to.

“We now believe that the companies involved in this are going to have to act on that,” said Boyd.

Whether it be a different royalty structure, more corporate jobs or, as Dwain Lingenfelter argues, playing hardball, like Newfoundland did. He points to the situation “where Danny Williams negotiated tough and got maximum return.”

As Saskatchewan determines its recommendation to the federal government about the potential takeover, Boyd maintains he is open at this stage to all options to get more for our province.