SASKTEL UP FOR SALE?
NDP questions if Crown could still be sold
The Opposition NDP says it has documents proving the Saskatchewan Party government is corresponding over offers for SaskTel.
NDP interim leader Nicole Sarauer says Premier Brad Wall needs to “come clean” on the issue.
“We sent out a (Freedom of Information) request for any documentation related to the sale of SaskTel. They came back saying that there are about 450 pages, but the documents require so many redactions that it will cost $600 to get those documents.”
She compared that to what Wall said near the end of August when he was shuffling his cabinet.
At that time, Wall said that as far as he knew, there was no particular offer on the table to sell the Crown corporation. He also suggested his government may back away from a partial sale by revoking Bill 40, which allows the sale of up to 49 per cent of Crown corporations.
“We need to know what’s going on. We need to know that SaskTel is safe,” said Sarauer, noting her party has long known Bill 40 is not popular and that, “It’s surprising it took this long for the premier to realize it’s not on for Saskatchewan people.”
In response to Sarauer’s comments, the premier’s office sent a statement: “The NDP have absolutely nothing new here. Premier and ministers have always said there were discussions going on — and in the case of SaskTel, officials said these discussions happen all of the time and always have — but that doesn’t mean there was a formal offer on the table. There wasn’t. Nothing has changed since Premier Wall discussed this on cabinet shuffle day. Premier has asked all MLA’s to be listening specifically on the issue of Crowns. Premier also said government may subsequently consider changes to Bill 40.”
Sarauer says her party will pay the $600 fee to see the redacted documents.
She said Saskatchewan people haven’t heard clear and straight up if the Crowns are safe or not.
“Actions speak louder than words. Let’s repeal Bill 40. Make that commitment to Saskatchewan people and make sure that Saskatchewan people know for sure that our Crowns are safe.”