The Editor,
Does the decision of the federal government to not allow the continuance of the BHP Billiton offer to Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan government's strident objection, change the game for Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce believes that it should be the shareholders of companies who determine the future of that company. Government intervention only makes the investment markets less likely to want to look to Saskatchewan as a place that offers a clear and welcoming investment environment. However, even with the direct government intervention in the marketplace, we remain optimistic we can overcome this new obstacle. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce believes in the future of this province and our ability to overcome adversity and still prosper.
This province makes its money, or at least most of it, by selling products to the world. We need willing buyers or else we will have no markets in which to sell. While the buyers of farm machinery and lentils are different people from the investment bankers, they both read the same newspapers and both have heard of the situation in Saskatchewan.
The first step in this new path is to ensure clarity in all areas affecting investment. We have just learned about "strategic interest" and because of that, potash has been given special status.
What else is a strategic interest for Saskatchewan?
We have reached a new stage in the evolution of this province and now it's time to act like we are a world player - because we are.
What matters now is that we ensure the investment landscape is clear and transparent and that when we say Saskatchewan is open for business; we truly are.
In the future, let's make sure we can say "yes" when people come here to become part of our communities as investors. Let's make sure we make the ground rules known to all.
By doing so, we'll keep Saskatchewan the best place in the world to live, work and invest.
Steve McLellan,
CEO Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
