In Meadow Lake, Maynard Sonntag has conceded defeat to Jeremy Harrison (h/t to Sean in Saskatchewan). Sonntag was a hard working Minister in the former NDP government who continually showed a strong commitment to Saskatchewan's Crown sector. I wish him well in his future endeavors. This likely means that his future leadership hopes are dashed. One thought - federal NDP, election 2008? Maynard think about it.
Sonntag's defeat leaves the NDP with 20 seats versus the Saskatchewan Party's 38 seats. The NDP will need to rally its resources as the Saskatchewan Party is not wasting time in rolling back the clock. In particular, Darcy Furber, the new MLA for Prince Albert Northcote needs to get out and make noise about the Saskatchewan Party's decision to cancel the MOU on the PA pulp mill with Domtar. Newly elected Sask. Party MLA for PA Carlton, Daryl Hickie claims that the former NDP government gave Prince Albert "false hope" in trying to save jobs and maintain the vitality of the forest industry. "This is consistent with the position we have held since the MOU was signed (in September)," said Bill Boyd, minister of Energy and Resources, inferring that the Saskatchewan Party is committed to keeping the government out economic growth and job creation for the province.
The new Saskatchewan Party government also wants to roll back labour rights. Premier Wall has been diplomatic in saying that the Saskatchewan Party did not have a hidden agenda, inferring that the Minister of Health Don McMorris was lying when he said that a Saskatchewan Party government would not invoke essential services legislation. Taking a page from the Buzz Hargrove playbook, the Saskatchewan Party now wants to take away health care workers right to strike. This makes sense if you are going to run a government like an auto factory managed people living in Eastern Europe.
Also, why do columnist see it fit to sensationalize issues by using the term "jihad"? (Mandryk also misspells Darryl Hicke's [sic] name, but who am I but a blogger to comment a columnist's spelling?) For his account of events on the labour "jihad" dispute see Larry Hubich's blog.
Buckdog has been doing an excellent job in showing poor decisions of the Saskatchewan Party in power.
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