By Rebbeca Marroquin

Rally to support Crown corporations held in P.A.

Sep 6, 2017 | 3:17 PM

Politicians and advocates from all corners of the province rallied outside Prince Albert’s SGI Claims Centre in favour of Crown corporations, and dozens of vehicles honked their horns in support. 

The rally was held on Sept. 6 in response to the Sask. Party’s recent passing of Bill 40, which allows private ownership of Crown companies up to 49 per cent. 

The passing has drawn backlash from the opposition and the public who are concerned privatization could lead to market change and a surge in prices. On Aug. 30, Wall said he will reconsider the bill, but former interim leader for the Saskatchewan NDP Trent Wotherspoon criticized him for flip flopping his decision.

“They certainly weren’t honest with Saskatchewan people, and they’re not serving Saskatchewan people when they’re trying to sell off our Crowns,” he said. “It’s clear that the Sask. Party has forgotten who they’re working for.”

President of SGEU Bob Bymoen said the public’s outrage influenced Wall’s decision to re-evaluate the bill.

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

9h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

13h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

16h ago

 “We’re here today to tell the government to back off,” he told paNOW, adding he and other protestors will continue to pressure the government to reverse its decision.

“It is working. We are seeing that they stopped cuts to the libraries… so we must stay on top of this government,” he said.

Local New Democrat Nicole Rancourt said it’s likely private owners wouldn’t want to invest in communities up North like Prince Albert because they’ll have a higher profit margin if they can provide more business in bigger cities like Saskatoon in Regina.

“If the government is trying to dismantle our Crowns, they are going to have a big fight from the residents of Prince Albert,” she said. 

rebbeca.marroquin

On Twitter: @becamarroquin