Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is currently in the U.S., promoting this province’s energy sector to as many movers and shakers as the premier and other members of his delegation can reach.
It’s a message that we need to share as much as possible.
As we have said countless times before, Saskatchewan is blessed to have the natural resources that we have. It’s not just an oil and gas thing, although the oil sector is an undeniably important part of Saskatchewan.
It’s also mining that needs to be promoted. And, of course, you can always talk about the value of Saskatchewan agriculture, or the innovations that are happening out here to reduce carbon emissions through the carbon capture and storage project at the Boundary Dam Power Station.
It’s easy to be skeptical about this trip. After all, this province still has a large fiscal deficit, although that deficit might be eradicated if oil prices remain high. Some will say there are better uses of our premier’s time and our taxpayer dollars than sending him and other delegates – including former energy and resources minister Bronwyn Eyre – to Washington and New York for six days in June.
And you have to wonder if we’re going to see any tangible investments in this province from government officials gallivanting around the northeast U.S.
But still, it’s good to have our premier and others in the government out promoting Saskatchewan and all that we have to offer. After all, if they are out selling the province, then it makes it easier for other groups in the private sector to promote Saskatchewan.
Moe might not be as strong of a salesman as former premier Brad Wall, but he still speaks with authority when it comes to Saskatchewan.
It’s easy to forget all that we have here. We know we have so much. Ask people outside of Saskatchewan about this province, and their minds immediately drift to agriculture. And farming, in all of its forms, is vital. Many of our finest citizens and greatest entrepreneurs are farmers. But people outside of Saskatchewan might not think about mining, or the oil and gas sector, when it comes to Saskatchewan assets.
We have potash, uranium, coal, helium, lithium and so much more for those looking to invest in mining out here. We have the oil and natural gas. We’ve proven enhanced oil recovery. We’re finding ways to make our industries more environmentally friendly.
We’re coming off of a couple of important events for our energy sector. One is the recent Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn. If you’ve been to the oil show before, you know much of what it’s about. A chance for those in the industry to come together, showcase their technology, interact, network, have a great time and listen to speakers.
It’s also a chance for politicians and other supporters to drop by and say thanks. This year’s oil show included an appearance by Pierre Poilievre, who hopes to be the next leader of the federal Conservative Party. Needless to say, his speech went over well with the patch representatives in attendance.
The other is Saskatchewan Mining Week from May 29-June 4. Events are held across the province to remind people about how important mining is to Saskatchewan and to bring awareness to those who are interested in learning.
Luncheons, seminars and the always-popular mine rescue competition are among the attractions for mining week each year.
These two events are valuable for Saskatchewan. And while they’re considered separate, they’re undeniably connected in ways beyond the calendar.
When it comes to Saskatchewan and its natural resources, public relations is everyone’s responsibility.
We might not get big money floating into the province from the trip by the premier and others into Saskatchewan, but it’s more than just bringing lots of investment.
Sometimes, it’s just as simple as reminding people that we’re here, and we have so much to offer.
