Completed
Research
- Spudco On Wednesday
November 3rd, 2004, Prairie Centre hosted a town
hall meeting at the Outlook Civic Centre to discuss issues
associated with 'Spudco". The purpose was to
provide an opportunity for the public to examine the Lake
Diefenbaker potato development story from various sides and
learn what can be done to move forward and take advantage of
the tremendous economic opportunities this region has to
offer. It was also an opportunity for PCPI to gather
input that could be used to develop public policy
recommendations..
A 'Spudco
chronology" was developed to show the progression of
events leading to the ultimate failure of the project.
Prairie Centre also drafted a policy
statement regarding role of government and its responsibilities
in business and economic development.
- 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.
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