Wind-downs still possible, but Crowns cannot be sold off in parts

The province introduced legislation Tuesday that would repeal a section of law that would have allowed the government to sell up to 49 per cent of a Crown corporation.

But a section allowing for a “wind-down” — the full sale of a Crown’s assets, employed to get rid of Saskatchewan Transportation Company — will remain.

Saying he had heard from the people, Premier Brad Wall announced last month he would repeal the law, which faced significant opposition from the time it was first pitched in 2016 as it worked its way to becoming law.

As Bill 40 became law, there was speculation SaskTel and other Crown corporations would be put up for partial sale.

“We have listened to Saskatchewan people and are making these changes because of what we heard,” Justice Minister Don Morgan said in a statement Tuesday.

“Saskatchewan people were concerned about this legislation and the potential sale of even a small stake in a Crown corporation.”

Later Tuesday, after introducing the law, Morgan told reporters the section allowing a wind down would remain so as to not tie the hands of future governments.

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour on Tuesday called for a full repeal, including the wind-down sections of Bill 40.

“Brad Wall promised he would repeal the unnecessary bill, but with the half-measure we saw introduced (Tuesday) it appears as though he has broken yet another promise to protect our Crown corporations,” Larry Hubich, president of the SFL said.