Completed Research

• Creation of Wealth  Completed in March 2002, this study is a forward-looking assessment of Saskatchewan’s economic potential. The report, conducted by Dr. Graham Parsons, focuses on the opportunities for growth and the potential for increased wealth creation which could be realized in the province. In addition, the study identifies the challenges and obstacles which must be addressed in order for Saskatchewan to achieve its potential.  View report
   
• Saskatchewan’s Farm Ownership Legislation  An examination of the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, which prevents anyone who is not a resident of Saskatchewan from buying more than 320 acres of farm land.  View table   View presentation to Saskatchewan Ag Committee  View the Saskatchewan government's proposed changes to farmland ownership rules presentation.  Government of Saskatchewan press release   An Act to Amend The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act   Report of the Saskatchewan Standing Committee on Agriculture on the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act
   
• The Saskatchewan Project:  Saskatchewan has the potential to be a prosperous province. Yet after almost 100 years, this prosperity as still not been realized.  Our young people are leaving.  Between 1972 and 1999, Saskatchewan lost 155,000 more people than it gained. Net inter-provincial out-migration is increasing, with our young people leaving the fastest (43% of 1997-98 migrants were 15 to 29 years of age).  Our work force is aging.  As the baby-boomers begin to retire, the number of seniors will spike upwards, while the size of our workforce will grow smaller.  The native population is growing.  Aboriginal population in Saskatchewan today is about 160,000. By 2041, it is projected to be almost 400,000. It is imperative that the aboriginal population be incorporated into the work force.  There is a growing shortage of skilled labour.  Saskatchewan has a shortage of skilled labour which will continue to grow unless changes are made.  Our tax rates are uncompetitive.  In March 2001, Saskatchewan’s prairie tax load index was 50.3% while Alberta’s was 32.5%. By 2004, Alberta’s will drop to 21.0%.  Rural communities are in decline.  Across Canada, rural population grew by 26% from 1966 to 1996. During the same period, Saskatchewan’s rural population fell by 26%. In 1981, small centers comprised 27% of Saskatchewan’s population. By 1996 it had fallen to 7%.  Our roads are crumbling and healthcare is failing.  Saskatchewan’s publicly funded services are coming under increasing strain. Our roads are not being maintained, and we have the longest health care waiting lists in the country.  Our agriculture sector is lagging.  Saskatchewan has 48% of farmland in Canada, but only 17% of farm income, and only 2% of the food processing.  Every Saskatchewan taxpayer has 7 dependents.  By 2026, every Saskatchewan taxpayer will have 17 dependents.  It's time to turn Saskatchewan's track record around.