A CENTURY OF

SASKATCHEWAN'S VOICE OF BUSINESS CELEBRATES l 00 YEARS 2 A CENTURY OF

ENTERPRISESASKATCHEWAN’S VOICE OF BUSINESS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS CONTENTS

Chapter 1 – The Voice of Business is Born: The 1920s 2

Chapter 2 – Rebirth and Boom: The 1940s and ’50s 8

Chapter 3 – Decades of Change and Challenge: The 1960s and ’70s 20

Chapter 4 – Decades of Deficits, Debt and Diminishing Returns: The 1980s and ’90s 32

Chapter 5 – New Century, New Challenges: The 2000s and 2010s 50

Chapter 6 – 2020 Vision… and Beyond 66

ABEX Awards 70

Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame 74

Credits 82 Opposite: 1976 Annual General Meeting

On July 21, 1920, 26 delegates were men, representing mainly small representing 16 boards of trade from businesses in communities from Swift ISSUES OF THE DAY: across the southern half of the province Current in the southwest, Yorkton in the • Immediate completion of the gathered at the Regina Board of Trade southeast, Kindersley in the west-central Hudson Bay Railway office at the McCallum Hill Building, region, Assiniboia in the south-central and Regina’s first skyscraper. Prince Albert in the north. • Changing the classification of wheat grades from “Manitoba” Following the call to order by temporary During this decade, the province’s to “Canadian Western” under chairman, L.T. McDonald of Regina, a population had grown exponentially, from a the Canada Grain Act welcoming address by Regina Mayor James few thousand in 1885 to 91,300 by 1901, • Opposing the proposed 30% Grassick and the reading of minutes from a then skyrocketed to 921,000 by 1931, increase in railway freight rates meeting in Calgary on May 17, 1920, by largely on the strength of the booming • Replacing the “Business Profits temporary secretary Gerald Graham of wheat economy. War Tax’’ by a three per cent Saskatoon, the delegates voted to form the sales or “turn over’’ tax to be Saskatchewan Associated Boards of Trade. At that time, nearly 80 per cent of the applied to consumer goods. province’s population lived in rural areas, Sales tax revenues could then In so doing, they would lay the foundation and nearly 90 per cent of those rural be used to increase exemptions for an organization that would dominate residents lived on farms. Urban dwellers – McCallum Hill Building, circa 1924. from income taxes for Saskatchewan’s business scene like the 10- the one in five people living in towns or individuals and families, not storey office building they were meeting in cities of 1,000 population or more -- unlike how the GST was dominated Regina’s skyline. undoubtedly knew what side of the bread implemented by the Mulroney their butter was on. Conservative government in In fact, the organization that would later 1991 – 70 years later! become the Saskatchewan Chamber of In fact, the preamble to the constitution of • Standardizing the weight of Commerce has outlived its birthplace by 38 the Saskatchewan Associated Boards of bread. A standard loaf ranged years. While the McCallum Hill Building was Trade clearly stated the importance of from 16 ounces in Swift demolished in 1982, the chamber is still agriculture to the economy. Current, to 20 ounces in Prince going strong, 100 years later! Albert and Regina “The objects of the Saskatchewan Of course, much has changed since that Associated Boards of Trade shall be to historic day a century ago. All 26 delegates promote the commercial, industrial, 3 4 economic and civic welfare of the members 95 per cent of business proprietors were elected a president, first and second vice- Top left: University of Saskatchewan, 1930s of the association and of the province of male. Women, who made up one-fifth of the presidents and an executive committee of Top right: Regina Warehouse eight members. Since the secretary- Saskatchewan, to urge for the development small business workforce, owned less than District, 1920s of its natural resources, to forward one in 20 small businesses. treasurer was deemed to be the most agricultural development.’’ important position, secretary Graham All these demographic trends – the was elected first. So really it should come as no surprise that province’s predominately rural population, And since both secretary-treasurer and Saskatchewan’s first province-wide business the predominance of agriculture in the president should come from the same organization should be primarily concerned provincial economy, the male dominance of the business sector and the relative community during the first year at least, with agricultural issues. underrepresentation of women in business, given “the need to be constantly in touch either as workers and more particularly as with each other,’’ Thomas Reynolds of Along with the booming agricultural sector, owners – would change dramatically over Saskatoon was elected president. Saskatchewan’s small business sector had the next 100 years. grown from a few hundred at the turn of Major F. J. James of Regina was elected first the century to several thousand in just three And the chamber would change with the vice-president; C. Clare of Prince Albert, decades. According to the Dominion Bureau times. But in 1920, the Saskatchewan second vice-present; and W.E. Dennison of of Statistics, Saskatchewan had 10, 841 Associated Boards of Trade – like the Assiniboia, third vice-president. stores with sales of more than $189 million businesses it represented – was very much a in 1930. “man’s world.’’ Besides drafting a constitution and bylaws and developing a “program of work,’’ the It should also come as no surprise that men After agreeing to form the Saskatchewan fledgling association had to elect a new dominated the small business sector, as Associated Boards of Trade, the delegates president at its Nov. 27, 1920 meeting in 5 Regina, following the sudden and “Without an income of several thousand unexpected resignation of Thomas Reynolds. dollars per year, it would be impossible to establish an efficient propagandist “As a business organization, Francis John James was a native of London, agency such as an ideal organization of we must maintain a level England, who came to Regina in 1907 and this kind should be. No serious attempt has head, and when we make established an investment brokerage and yet been made to create such an statements we must be insurance firm, Nay & James, until his organization, although there are those prepared to back them up business career was interrupted by the who think a provincial chamber of with irrefutable evidence. Great War. Captain of a reserve unit in the commerce a possibility.’’ Canadian Army Service Corps (CASC), which The world at large is calling provided transportation services and for broader views… We must On June 1, 1921, the executive committee supplies to the army, James volunteered for tread carefully, and by so met at the Moose Jaw Board of Trade active duty in July 1915, at the age of 38. doing, our demands, when offices to, among other things, appoint A.L. made upon governments Haining of Saskatoon as acting secretary to Promoted to the rank of major that same and corporations, will be fill in for Graham, who was unable to year, James served at various locations and treated with respect and continue as secretary-treasurer. in various capacities in England and France. granted careful After four years of service, for which he was consideration.’’ Unfortunately, by the next meeting on Nov. commended by the Secretary of State for 25, 1921, Haining had died, necessitating Francis John James, Saskatchewan War for valuable services rendered, James Association Boards of Trade, the appointment of a third secretary- Francis John James, Saskatchewan Association was demobilized in July 1919 and returned 1920-1923 treasurer, C.A. Cooke of Regina. Cooke of Boards of Trade, 1920-1923 to Regina to rejoin his wife, Christina, and would continue to serve as secretary to the resume his career. end of 1922.

A natural leader, James was soon thrust The second annual general meeting was into a leadership role with the association years, the chamber has, for the most part, held on March 15-16, 1922, in Prince Albert and other organizations, including the followed James’s sage advice. attracting 36 delegates to discuss the Regina Exhibition Association and issues of the day and debate a wide range Saskatchewan Association of Music While it had its successes, seven and half of resolutions. Festivals. And James was up to the months after its conception, the fledgling challenge, serving three stints as the SABT association was still operating on a In an address “tinged with a sentiment president until stepping aside in 1923. shoe-string. As Graham noted in his of optimism,’’ president James spoke to annual report to delegates, the purpose delegates about the state of the association James rightly believed that a business of forming the association was to “provide and the “general financial and industrial organization needed to be moderate, a common council for the various boards situation.’’ “(T)he president spoke very sensible, pragmatic and reasonable in its of trade of the province where they might encouragingly of the outlook, but demands and thereby earn the respect and, meet and discuss problems and co-operate impressed on the meeting the need for hopefully, the ear of government. Over the for their solution. careful consideration and economy,’’ 6 secretary Cooke said in his report of the First, he noted “great progress’’ had been throughout the West for exercising caution annual meeting. made in obtaining the province’s support and moderation in its deliberations and in calling for “equitable freight rates,’’ official actions.’’ Following his speech, delegates applauded adding the province had placed its freight James and called on him to serve another rate expert at the association’s disposal to “The Saskatchewan Association of Boards term as president. While James asked to be this end. of Trade will, I trust, go on from year to year, relieved of his duties, saying “the honours increasing its usefulness to its membership, should be passed around,’’ the delegates Secondly, the association’s push for thereby aiding in the development of this moved nominations close. “The re-election completion of the Hudson Bay Railway wonderful province of Saskatchewan, of of Major James was greeted with loud gained momentum, despite opposition from which we are so justly proud.’’ applause and expressions of satisfaction,’’ Eastern Canadian interests, notably the the annual report said. existing railroad companies. While James was right about the association’s reputation, he was wrong Resolutions calling for the “re-establishment “The East may rail at us, calling us ‘silly about its future, at least in the short term. of a wheat board in Canada,’’ reinstatement billies,’ ‘bigoted fanatics’ and some other of the Crow’s Nest Pass freight rate fancy names which have appeared in the A.J. Reynolds of Prince Albert succeeded agreement (which had been suspended for Eastern press, but that will not deter us from James as president at the 1923 annual three years), as well as several previous our purpose.’’ general meeting and executive committee resolutions dealing with the Hudson Bay meetings were held in Regina and Railway and wheat nomenclature, were also James said opening up another route Saskatoon that year. passed by delegates. for grain from Winnipeg to Churchill, Premier Charles Dunning, 1922 MB., via Hudson Bay, SK., is a One of the highlights of the association’s But the annual meeting in Moose Jaw on “feasible proposition’’ that will “ease the second full year of operation was a meeting Feb. 26, 1924, which drew only 17 delegates, burden of our sorely tried farmers’’ and with Premier Charles Dunning at the would be the last annual meeting for the benefit, not just Western Canada, but the Legislative Building in Regina on May 26, Saskatchewan Association of Boards of 1922. A successful businessman and former whole country. Trade for more than 20 years. provincial treasurer under Premier William Martin, who later succeeded Martin as “I do not believe that the operation of this The Stock Market Crash of 1929, the Great premier in 1921, Dunning proved to be a road will injuriously affect our existing Depression of the 1930 and the Second good listener and well-informed host. channels of distribution,” he told delegates. World War would all intervene before the “There will be plenty of business for all association would be built up again. The association’s third annual general existing railroads in Canada and Hudson’s meeting took place March 7-8, 1923 in Swift Bay Railway too.’’ Current with 20 delegates in attendance. In his last address as president, (now Colonel) Finally, James said, as “my endeavours James recounted some of the as president are about to end,’’ that the accomplishments of the organization in the association was “strong numerically, previous year. sound financially and has a reputation Saskatchewan Legislative Building, 1920s 7

After two decades in a state of suspended As University of Saskatchewan economist animation, the province’s 85 boards of Peter Phillips noted in The Encyclopedia of trade decided 1945 was an “opportune ISSUES OF THE DAY: Saskatchewan: “By 1929, Saskatchewan time” for the association to resurrect itself. • Urge the Co-operative had a vibrant developing economy,’’ but Commonwealth Federation one focused on primary and secondary government to define its policy Just as there were many factors that led to production of agricultural commodities. on the status of free enterprise the dissolution of the Saskatchewan in the province Association of Boards of Trade in 1925, Economic development followed a decision there were many reasons why the in 1930 by the federal government to • Construction of irrigation projects including the South Saskatchewan province’s boards of trade decided to give it transfer ownership and control of the land River Irrigation Scheme another go 20 years later. and its resources to the provincial government. Further development resumed • Diversifying the farming industry First, the Depression and the Second World after World War II with the discovery of rich • Government-owned revenue War were finally over and business owners, natural resource deposits below the ground producing enterprises to be who had struggled through the economic and the growth of export markets for these subject to municipal taxes devastation of the 1930s and the war products. • Advocating for a 44 hour work economy of the 1940s, were looking Another event would have an even more Old Standard Motors Building 1950s week forward to a return to normalcy. galvanizing effect on Saskatchewan’s • Advocating against a 30% business class: the election of the Co- increase in freight-rates After years of war rationing and a decade of drought and deprivation during the Dirty operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) • Approving Daylight Saving Time Thirties, there was pent-up demand for on June 15, 1944. • Uniform closing hours for retail consumer goods, new housing and vehicles, businesses as thousands of servicemen were coming • Natural gas distribution home and going back to work. • Highways Also, during those two decades, the • Tourist accommodation economy of the province was changing from a predominately agricultural producer of grains and livestock to a more diverse industrial and resource-based economy. 9 Top left: SABT executives met with Closer to home, the province’s business province … to prepare the way for the Saskatchewan cabinet on December 12, 1958 community was concerned, even fearful, formation of an association of boards of “The election of a that the CCF would implement the party’s trade in the province,’’ said Alex Aitken, Top right: Natural Resources ‘socialist’ government in Minister Phelps Regina Manifesto of 1933, which stated commissioner of the Regina Board of Trade, Saskatchewan created boldly that: “No CCF government will rest in a letter dated Dec. 15, 1944 to R.L. considerable interest in content until it has eradicated capitalism Christopherson, a Regina businessman Canada and the U.S.,’’ and put into operation the full programme and board member. Christopherson would according to historian and of socialized planning.” later become the reborn association’s first first president of the president. University of Regina, John So not long after the election of Premier T.C. Archer, in Saskatchewan, (Tommy) Douglas, the fiery Scottish Baptist Aitken, one of the prime movers behind the A History. plan to resurrect the Saskatchewan minister from Weyburn, plans were afoot to Association of Boards of Trade, wrote to awaken the Saskatchewan Association of boards of trade across the province, as well Boards of Trade from its self-imposed as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce hibernation. (CCC), to help get the fledgling association Canadian newspapers expressed off the ground. “amazement and alarm” and warned of a The Council of the Boards of Trade, which pull-out of capital and divestment by represented the 85 or so boards of trade The long-time secretary treasurer of the industry, while U.S. publications saw the that still existed in the province, met in the Regina Board of Trade sought nefarious hand of Moscow behind the latter part of 1944. The meeting was held to commitments of participation from other election of the first avowedly socialist “draft plans for the bringing together of the boards and financial assistance from the government on the continent. boards of trade in the southern part of the CCC. He also sought support for a 10 resolution from the new association asking “The Douglas government, meanwhile, was government issue a definitive statement the CCF government to clarify its position struggling to accommodate philosophy to regarding its position on “free enterprise.’’ on “free enterprise.’’ practical politics,’’ Archer said in Cook said the P.A. board was prepared to Saskatchewan, A History. support the proposal, “but believe it would “We are under the impression, rightly or not be a good time to approach the wrongly, that the likelihood of new “Very early after assuming power the CCF government during this session, with so businesses establishing in Saskatchewan is government ventured into new fields of many private members around to argue considerably lessened by the statements government enterprises and attempted the point.’’ which appear from time to time from new techniques of management and members of the provincial government control. Mistakes and hasty decisions were Similarly, Gerry O’Shaughnessy, detrimental to private business, commonly made,’’ Archer said. commissioner of the Moose Jaw Board of referred to as free enterprise,’’ Aitken said in Trade, said the members preferred to a letter dated March 22, 1945. The business community, which had approach the government “by means of a complacently assumed continued rule by delegation, rather than presenting a brief.’’ Aitken was referring to a story in the the Liberal Party that had governed the King Street, North Battleford, 1940 previous day’s edition of The Regina Leader- province for all but five of the past 40 years, O’Shaughnessy added the association Post, which quoted Joseph Phelps, Minister was in a state of shock. should be able to provide “concrete of Natural Resources and Industrial evidence to present to the government of Development, as saying that “free But the boards of trade, particularly in the doubts that exist today in the minds of enterprise was as dead as a dodo.’’ Regina and Saskatoon, soon rallied to the businessmen as to whether it would be wise cause of saving free enterprise from the for outside capital to invest in the province Phelps, MLA for Saltcoats, member of the “socialists’’ in the CCF government and at the present time.’’ Saskatchewan Grain Growers Association began planning the resurrection of the at age 17, and early supporter of the CCF, Saskatchewan Associated Boards of Trade. On April 14, 1945, Aitken issued a letter to was responsible for several government- the 85 boards of trade asserting the owned or Crown corporations, including As Gordon Cook, commissioner of the proposition that: “There should be an Saskatchewan Clay Products, Prince Albert Board of Trade, told Aitken in Association of Boards of Trade in Saskatchewan Leather Products and a letter March 16, 1945: “It is the general Saskatchewan.’’ Saskatchewan Wool Products. feeling here that to really be effective there should be an associated boards of trade “There appears to be a need to get Phelps’s inflammatory rhetoric and some organized for Saskatchewan. Both together to discuss common problems, to ill-advised actions by the CCF government Manitoba and Alberta have such an get ideas from what the other fellow is in its early years gave rise to fears of organization and seem to be getting doing, and to express a united voice on government takeover and control over reasonably good results.’’ certain provincial and national questions,” large swaths of the economy, including Aitken added. telephones, transportation, natural gas Less than unanimous support, however, and electricity, and timber, fish and was expressed for the proposal by Aitken So two meetings were held -- one in Regina fur marketing. and MacEachern to demand the on May 15-16 for the southern boards of 11 CCF Government, 1944 12 trade and one in Saskatoon on May 17-18 according to a story in the May 17, 1945 One delegate agreed with Douglas that for the northern boards. edition of The Regina Leader-Post. comments from Eastern Canadian “big shots’’ that the CCF government was Accordingly, about 30 delegates from the The story noted that Premier Douglas and against private enterprise were unfounded. southern boards of trade gathered under other cabinet members have previously “This resolution brings in politics,’’ said A.T. the banner of the Saskatchewan Board of stated “that there is a place for private Turner, a delegate from Watrous. Trade Conference, and heard speeches on enterprise,’’ but others, notably Natural “The government is not interfering in Post War Reconstruction in Saskatchewan Resources Minister Phelps, have inveighed private enterprise.’’ by J.H. Sturdy, the CCF’s Minister of against private business. Reconstruction; Freedom of Enterprise and Another northern delegate, R.M. Mitchell of Boards of Trade by W.J. Sheridan, economic While the 31 boards of trade that met in Nipawin, urged the delegates to neither development manager, Canadian Chamber Regina clearly supported the resolution “justify or condemn’’ the government. “If of Commerce; and Saskatchewan Highways requesting the CCF government issue a Regina and the southern people who met in by J.T. Douglas, minister of highways. statement clarifying the status of private Regina were so foolish as to pass such a enterprise in the economy, the northern resolution, we in the north should be Premier Tommy Douglas at a SABT event On the second day of the convention, the delegates at the meeting in Saskatoon governed by our own consciences,’’ delegates in Regina passed the following did not. Mitchell said. resolution: “That the Saskatchewan Associated Boards of Trade request the Highway Minister J.T. Douglas told While some delegates argued the provincial government to define its policy Saskatoon meeting delegates that the resolution was simply seeking information with respect to the status of free enterprise government was “surprised’’ by the and clarification, most northern delegates (as contrasted with government enterprise) resolution, noting that its position on the believed the resolution was an unnecessary in the economy of this province.’’ role of private enterprise in the economy provocation of the government, which was well known, according to The was still very popular in many parts of For their part, the southern delegates left Saskatoon Star. the province. no doubt as to their position, resolving: “That this Conference of Boards of Trade go Moreover, Douglas said the comments While the northern and southern delegates on record as favouring freedom of suggesting that the CCF government was disagreed on the resolution regarding the enterprise as basic and essential to the against private enterprise were “part and government’s position on private enterprise, development of the province of parcel of a nationwide campaign to they could agree on one thing. The Saskatchewan, and the preservation of undermine the Saskatchewan delegates voted unanimously in favour of democratic liberty of action, individual Government,’’ the Star said. forming the Saskatchewan Associated initiative, success and happiness.’’ Boards of Trade to “promote agricultural, “If you pass this resolution, you will be commercial, industrial, financial and But the defining act of the conference was lending yourselves to an organization general interests of the province and the the resolution that called upon the CCF that aims deliberately to undermine the development of its natural resources.’’ government “to define its policy on the people’s government of Saskatchewan,’’ status of free enterprise in the province,’’ he warned delegates. 13 Boards of Trade, announced at the annual meeting in Regina June 7, 1946, that the organization had “celebrated its first birthday.’’

However, Christopherson had a warning for delegates. “This organization is not the first of its kind to operate in Saskatchewan. Some years ago, there was a very live and efficient Association of Boards of Trade of the province.”

While the earlier group had achieved some success, “that splendid organization was wrecked on the shoals of regional controversy,’’ Christopherson said. He Top left: Executive Council Meeting in As for the contentious issue of the attitude this that the business people of exhorted his fellow members to “guard Watrous June 27, 1956 of the CCF government towards business, Saskatchewan as represented by the against regionalism’’ and “keep our eye on the newly formed Saskatchewan Associated southern district boards of trade want the Top right: R.L. Christopherson, the larger field at all times.’’ SABT President 1945-46 Boards of Trade got support from the government to issue some definite editorial page of The Regina Leader-Post. statement of policy,” the editorial said. Accordingly, delegates threw their support “(I)t is not so much what the government behind resolutions calling for the has undertaken in the way of industrial and This would not be the last time the construction of “irrigation projects commercial development which is causing association would clash with the CCF throughout the province for the purpose of concern in business circles as it is the government, as the 1940s and ‘50s saw diversifying the farm industry and bringing drastic powers which the government has more government incursions into the about a more stable industrial and armed itself to go into or take over almost economy. any kind of business at any time.’’ agricultural economy to our province,’’ and “wholeheartedly endorse the South However, over the years, the association The editorial cited, once again, Natural Saskatchewan River Irrigation Scheme as came to grudgingly respect Premier Resources Minister Phelps, who told a proposed by the PFRA (Prairie Farm Douglas and some of his less doctrinaire nominating meeting in Melville: “I have the Rehabilitation Administration).’’ power and I’m going to use that power on ministers, as they met on a regular basis in your behalf. Some of those fellows who talk private meetings at the Legislative Building In addition, delegates supported an about how much power I’ve got are going and at annual meetings of the association. executive committee motion to have to find out.’’ “government-owned revenue producing So it was with considerable pride that R.L. enterprises to be subject to municipal taxes “It is little wonder in the face of such Christopherson, the first president of the on the same basis as privately owned threatening and dictatorial declarations as newly formed Saskatchewan Associated revenue producing enterprises.’’ 14 With the election of a new president, J.S. hard-surfaced highways’’ through the that Saskatchewan seems to be missing the Woodward of Saskatoon, the association province. boat in contrast with the neighbouring embarked on a new chapter, which would province of Alberta in the development of see the continued battles with the Douglas Delegates also discussed renaming the its natural resources.’’ government, but also progress in achieving association the Saskatchewan Chamber of many, if not all, of the association’s Commerce. Moose Jaw Board of Trade While oil companies were spending millions objectives. commissioner O’Shaughnessy pointed out of dollars on exploration and development the phrase board of trade was a in Alberta, similar resources remain hidden Among those issues debated at the 1947 “misnomer’’ as it was the British term for a in Saskatchewan. “Our big fear is that this annual meeting were the proposed 44-hour trade department or ministry. However, no present period of exploration may pass with work week, a proposed 30 per cent increase action was taken on the proposal. Saskatchewan having received no benefit,’’ in freight rates, province-wide Daylight Woodward said. Saving Time (adopted), and uniform closing In 1948, the provincial government rejected hours for retail business (defeated). the association’s resolution to bring in DST On Feb. 19, 1949, Premier Douglas finally responded to president Woodward’s province-wide, as Provincial Secretary O.W. Swift Current Theatre accusation that Saskatchewan was Valleau said it would not be practical in “missing the boat’’ in terms of natural Saskatchewan. resource development.

Highways were a perpetual At the June 29, 1948 AGM, delegates also “(I)t is not the government’s intention to bone of contention, as the debated the merits of the association socialise the Saskatchewan oil industry,’’ province had only eight per belonging to the Canadian Chamber of Douglas said in a letter to the association cent of the country’s Commerce (CCC), adding that the provincial in December, 1949. “The Saskatchewan population but 30 per cent association should reflect the views of the government does not anticipate that it Saskatchewan boards of trade to the of its public highways. will be financially capable of investing national body. To that end, delegates Woodward noted that large sums in the development or approved a motion for the association to construction of 100 miles production of its mineral resources in the become a member of the CCC and request of highway cost about $12 very near future.’’ million a year, while the that the national body establish a field province was currently service office in the province. Resolutions Douglas skillfully dodged the issue of spending only $3 million. calling for federal assistance for highways why Alberta was first out of the gate with and a freight rate inquiry, among others, oil discoveries in Leduc and Turner Valley, were also passed. noting that very little exploration had been done in Saskatchewan in the In a news bulletin dated Dec. 14, 1948, preceding decades, well before his Accordingly, the delegates resolved that the Woodward reported that the association government took office. federal government should provide financial was continuing to press the government to assistance to the cash-strapped provincial encourage more private investment in the But he confidently predicted that “this government to build “at least two east-west province. “It was pointed out to the Premier province will take its place among the 15 states and provinces in North America as a need to be alert and willing to meet this leading producer of petroleum products.’’ challenge.” There certainly was In a similar vein, Woodward remarked in a growing influence of the In 1951, the SABT was planning to work news bulletin dated Oct. 24, 1949, that provincial association in closely with the Canadian Chamber of Saskatchewan was also falling behind its getting business issues on Commerce. Specifically, the CCC would western neighbour in developing its water the provincial establish a field service department located resource through irrigation projects. government’s agenda. in Regina. Under this arrangement, the field “Saskatchewan needs irrigation. There is no While there was not always service man would act as secretary of the doubt about that,’’ Woodward said. “The agreement, there was at association with the SABT liable for thing that is hard to understand is why least dialogue and miscellaneous expenses only. Saskatchewan is only getting conscious of consultation, pointing to an this fact when Alberta was in the irrigation improved relationship At the annual meeting in Saskatoon on April business 50 years ago.’’ between the business 30, 1952, Harry Boyce of Regina, proprietor community and the CCF of the Queen’s Hotel and past-president of The new decade of the ‘50s saw slow, but government. the Regina Board of Trade, was elected steady, growth of boards of trade and president. chambers of commerce, which numbered 48 paid up members by early 1950. As a result of the impending integration There was grumbling about the slow pace with the CCC, the association moved to of development of the South Saskatchewan had advocated against the CCF’s healthcare reforms in the past and felt that any sales rename itself the Saskatchewan Board of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce River project, which was cheekily referred to tax increases would not sit very well with Trade (SBT), in addition to other Incoporated in 1959 Certificate in a news bulletin item headlined, Will the constitutional changes. South Saskatchewan Be Dammed? merchants who would pass costs on to the consumer. However, the SABT preferred this At the annual meeting in July, 1950, taxation strategy as it had the merit of The association also commended the outgoing president Woodward said he was taxing directly. Douglas government for announcing optimistic (overly optimistic, as it turned out) in its throne speech that revenue-producing that construction on the large irrigation In his year-end remarks, chamber president government businesses would pay dam would start before the next annual Ball looked back on an eventful half century municipal property taxes. This marked meeting. Lawrence L. Ball of Yorkton was filled with war and depression, but also another successful lobbying effort by the elected SABT president at the conclusion of economic and population growth, and fledgling Saskatchewan Board of Trade. the AGM. looked forward to the next half. “(T)he role which boards of trade and chambers of In July, 1952, Herbert (Herb) Purdy, was The provincial sales tax was also increased commerce, will be called upon to play in the announced as the incoming manager of the by one percentage point to cover the rising drama which is about to unfold before us, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the cost of hospitalization, which was now may well challenge all of our energy, province and the new executive secretary of covered by the CCF government. The SABT initiative and imagination. To survive we will the Saskatchewan Board of Trade. 16 A Regina native with bachelor’s and disagreements about the role of private “We must get the correct figures and we master’s degrees in agriculture from the enterprise and government in the economy. must be convinced that the project is good U of S, Purdy worked for seven years at the In his final address to the SBT’s annual for the whole country before we will federal experimental farm in Swift Current meeting in Saskatoon on June 12, 1953, approve it,’’ St. Laurent told the delegation, before serving with the Royal Canadian outgoing president Boyce looked back on which included SBT representatives. Artillery during the Second World War. “the most prosperous year in many respects ever experienced in this province,’’ However, it would take the election of No stranger to the chamber movement, citing record economic growth, “a the Progressive Conservatives under its Purdy served as the CCC’s prairie region tremendous wheat crop’’ and increased Saskatchewan-based leader John G. representative from 1946 to 1949, based in production of minerals, forestry and Diefenbaker, to give the project the go- Regina, and regional representative for manufactured products. ahead in 1958 at a cost of $196 million, Manitoba and Northern Ontario, out of including $96 million for the Gardiner Dam, CCC head office in Toronto, for another “But,’’ Boyce added, “most, if not all, of this named for former Liberal cabinet minister three years. progress is a product of private enterprise, a and former Saskatchewan premier system that has been so much maligned in Jimmy Gardiner. Later that year, a fresh batch of resolutions, this province. I am gratified by the great strides we are making economically in including the one commending the On Sept. 30, 1953, the executive council, Saskatchewan, but I am disappointed in government for making government including new president F.J. Workman of the failure of the businessman to stand businesses taxable, was conveyed to the Moose Jaw, met with the Douglas cabinet up for the system that has made these provincial cabinet by the executive at the executive council chamber at the strides possible…’’ H.A Purdy. SCC Manager 1952-1973 committee. Legislative Building to discuss the resolutions passed at the annual meeting The SBT also received a setback with the “It was felt that this meeting should pave in June. release of the South Saskatchewan River the way for further contacts with the Development Commission report, which Saskatchewan government and was an expressed doubts about the benefits of the Resolutions dealing with natural gas excellent step forward toward the massive irrigation, electricity production and distribution, highways, and tourist establishment of satisfactory liaison with water conservation project. The project accommodation were deemed acceptable the Saskatchewan Board of Trade and the included a proposed dam near Outlook – by members of the Douglas cabinet. Still, government of Saskatchewan,’’ Purdy said the largest earth fill dam in the world -- that the SBT and the Douglas government in the executive committee report. would create a huge lake 140 miles (225 would continue to clash over the proper km) long. role of the government in the economy. It was a far cry from the contentious, even This became clear at the SBT’s 1953 annual confrontational, relationship between the The royal commission experts put the cost meeting. “The Saskatchewan Board of newly formed association and the newly of the project at $250 million, while the Trade opposes the theory that the elected CCF government just seven years PFRA estimated $105 million. “Both can’t government should operate all or most of earlier. However, it didn’t change the fact be right,’’ Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent the instruments of production and the two groups had fundamental told a delegation in Ottawa on May 4, 1953. distribution, since such activities by 17 Top: Trip with the Department of Mineral Resources to Anglo-Rouyn mine in Lac La Ronge, 1956

Below: Anglo-Rouyn mine at Lac La Ronge, 1956

Opposite top: Anglo-Rouyn mine at Lac La Ronge, 1956

Opposite bottom: Party embarking for Anglo-Rouyn mine near Lac La Ronge, 1956

government lead to waste, political could not understand why business year. “These resolutions had been received opportunism, more direction by central organizations, such as the chamber of by the government in a very cordial manner authority, loss of individual freedom and commerce, should be concerned with the and each resolution was discussed fully,’’ responsibility and, in the extreme, from internal operation of a union.’’ said the minutes of the executive direction of the economy to dictatorship in committee meeting. all matters.’’ Douglas went on to say that “government would not consider applying regulations to The Premier thanked the SBT for its While relations with the Douglas unions that are not applied to other continued support of the dam project and government were generally cordial, there organizations,’’ like publicly traded credited the CCC for giving recognition to were some testy exchanges at some of the companies. Or boards of trade, he might the South Saskatchewan River dam as a meetings between the SBT’s executive have added. national project. council and the provincial cabinet. At the annual meeting in Melfort on Oct. 3, “The executive secretary reported that in For example, when resolutions from the 1956, J.D. (Clare) Thacker of Regina became his opinion this was the best hearing we annual meeting were presented to cabinet the SBT president. Resolutions were passed have had with the provincial cabinet and Dec. 19, 1955, one admittedly “highly on the South Saskatchewan River Dam that it indicated real progress in our controversial” resolution regarding the project, welcome signs on highways, relations with the government of Trade Union Act, which called for roadside picnic areas, bituminous highways Saskatchewan,’’ according the minutes of government-supervised strike votes, seemed and care of the mentally ill, among others. the meeting with cabinet. to stick in Douglas’s craw. When the resolutions were presented to Indeed, the late 1950s probably stand as a According to Purdy’s confidential report of cabinet on Dec. 10, 1956, the mood had high-water mark for relations between the that meeting, Douglas stated “that he improved considerably from the previous SBT and the Douglas government: 18 “The views of the Saskatchewan board of proceed with development of the South trade were regarded with the respect and Saskatchewan River project. consideration which they deserved,’’ said president Thacker at the AGM in Swift With R. L. (Ralph) Bamford of Moose Jaw Current on October 23, 1957. elected president for 1959-60, replacing Thacker, the chamber held its annual The proposed name change to the meeting in Estevan on Oct. 8-9, 1959. Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce was Bamford also reported good relations debated and passed at the 1957 annual with the Douglas government, with the meeting exception of the chamber’s position on public tender for mineral rights on Crown At the annual meeting held Oct. 22 -23, land. 1958, in North Battleford, Thacker, who was elected to a second term in Swift Current, The low-water mark in the chamber’s reported that the chamber had finally relations with the CCF and the beginnings achieved its goal of having 100 members – of a right-ward shift in the political direction 101 to be exact – in 1958. of the province began when the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce One milestone achievement in 1958 was would side with the province’s medical the signing of an agreement between the doctors and oppose the imposition of province and the newly elected federal “socialized medicine’’ or Medicare by the Progressive Conservative government to CCF government in 1962. 19

As the new decade began, the by the province’s medical association, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce was opposition Liberal Party and some members of the business community, ISSUES OF THE DAY: on a roll. Membership had been steadily including the provincial chamber. • Oppose the Medicare plan rising since 1952, reaching 120 in 1960, and integration with the Canadian Chamber of • Deficit spending at the Commerce was proceeding smoothly. In early 1960, the Saskatchewan College of provincial and federal level Physicians and Surgeons urged the • Taxation However, the provincial chamber was chamber to oppose the compulsory Medicare plan in the form of a resolution to • Improved consultation by the fixated on one overarching issue: Medicare. the provincial government. provincial government The CCF government had pioneered the continent’s first hospital insurance plan on • Labour unrest Accordingly, at a meeting on Feb. 17, 1960, Jan. 1, 1947, which entitled every citizen in the executive committee of the • Inflation the province to free hospital care (although Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce • Slowdown in the oil and gas a small premium was charged annually). issued the following submission to the industry and royalty rates and provincial government: taxes Then, in a radio speech on Dec. 18, 1959, Premier T.C. Douglas announced his • Advocated against the Trade “The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce government’s long-awaited plan for AGM, 1975 Practices Act does not believe it is in the best interest of comprehensive health insurance. The • Provincial government the people to initiate compulsory health proposed Medical Care Insurance Act purchase or expropriation of insurance or state medicine, both from an would provide universal coverage for the potash industry economic and efficient medical service medical treatment costs, including doctors’ point of view, largely on the ground that • Increasing amount of fees - another first in North America. The such government sponsored medical plans government spending on aid government would also establish a Medical have in other countries been extremely programs and subsidies Advisory Committee to make costly and with very few exceptions have recommendations to the province on the at the same time led to a deterioration of implementation of the proposed legislation. the quality of services and overcrowding of facilities.’’ While the Hospital Insurance Act was widely accepted by physicians, the Medical Care In any event, the Medicare debate would be Insurance Act was met with stiff resistance settled -- at least temporarily -- by the re- 21 Saskatchewan Medicare Strike, 1960

election of the CCF government on June 8, chamber “had been taken in,’’ according to Saskatchewan and hence premier of 1960, with a slightly larger majority, the confidential minutes of the meeting. the province. although its percentage of the popular vote slipped five per cent. Premier Douglas himself would not be On Nov. 17, 1961, secretary-manager around the provincial scene much longer. In Purdy wrote to Premier Lloyd to protest Since Medicare was the central issue of the July, 1961, he was elected the first leader of against the proposed act, on the basis campaign, Premier Douglas said the the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), that it “violates the basic principle of formed from the merger of the CCF and election was, in effect, a plebiscite on the sound government’’ by delegating “the organized labour. While Douglas was gone, government’s Medicare plan. responsibility for establishing and the issue of Medicare was back on the front administering a plan of medical care burner again. The Medical Advisory insurance for the residents of Nevertheless, the executive committee met Committee had submitted its interim report Saskatchewan.’’ with members of the Douglas cabinet on in September, 1961, calling for doctors to be Dec. 5, 1960, to discuss its Medicare paid on a fee-for-service basis and patients In addition, Purdy argued that “certain submission and resolutions adopted by the charged a small deterrent fee. In October, inequities’’ and “technical difficulties” would provincial chamber at its annual meeting in the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance result due to the duplication of services and Prince Albert Sept. 23-24, 1960. Act was introduced, without the deterrent benefits offered by private insurance fees and without the approval of the companies. Education Minister Woodrow Lloyd took College of Physicians and Surgeons. exception to the chamber’s submission on At its annual meeting in Tisdale on May 9- Medicare and Attorney-General Robert In November, 1961, Woodrow Lloyd was 11, 1962, the chamber passed a resolution (Bob) Walker even suggested that the elected leader of the CCF party in calling for the repeal of the Saskatchewan 22 Medical Care Insurance Act, which was set of universality was retained. A major health May 19, 1965, Purdy reported that he had to be implemented July 1, 1962, noting that and political crisis had been averted. sent a letter to Prime Minister Lester the government had failed to reach an Pearson, Finance Minister Walter Gordon agreement with the College of Physicians By 1963, the chamber and the provincial and Mines Minister W.M. (Bill) Benidickson and Surgeons. cabinet were back on speaking terms, with on behalf of chamber president, Dr. A.W. Premier Lloyd requesting the chamber’s Thomson of Watrous. “While the Saskatchewan Chamber of participation in a hearing in Ottawa with Commerce is not opposed to an acceptable Prime Minister Diefenbaker and the Minister medical care program, it continues to of Transport in June, and another thanking oppose the recent enactment of this the chamber for its “resolution on the “The Saskatchewan legislation and its amendments,’’ the Saskatchewan-Nelson River Development resolution stated. survey and continued support” of the Chamber of Commerce is government’s position. concerned about recent Chamber president H.B. Cowan of Prince reports that the request of By 1964, however, change was in the wind Albert remarked that, despite their the Saskatchewan and the bruising battle over Medicare had disagreements, the meeting with the government for tax taken its toll on the popularity of the Lloyd provincial cabinet on Dec. 18, 1961, was concessions to firms government. The resurgent Liberals, under “one of the most friendly we have had with engaged in solution mining former CCF MP and Moose Jaw hardware cabinet for some time.’’ of potash have been rejected store owner Ross Thatcher, had been by your government.’’ steadily gaining strength during the That friendly feeling wouldn’t last long, polarizing Medicare debate and defeated Chamber President Dr. A.W Thomson however. The chamber and the provincial the CCF in the 1964 election. cabinet would find themselves at loggerheads again when the July 1, 1962 At the annual meeting in Saskatoon on implementation date for Medicare arrived May 7, 1964, the chamber had its own Woodrow S. Lloyd Photo courtesy of Biggar Museum and Gallery with a full-blown doctors’ strike. change of leadership, as J.R. Davidson of The chamber voiced its support for the Regina succeeded W. W. Aikenhead of provincial government’s efforts to obtain Duelling citizens’ groups, Keep Our Doctors Melfort as president. But the chamber tax concessions for solution mining equal to and Citizens for Medical Care, verbally had other problems besides Medicare to conventional or underground potash fought each other over the divisive issue of deal with. mining , “so as to create an equitable Medicare, while the provincial government competitive position for those companies and the province’s doctors struggled to find Potash mining had begun in the province in now and in the future,’’ the letter said. a solution to the impasse. 1962 after International Minerals and Chemical (IMC) started production at its At the annual meeting in Prince Albert After three week of intense negotiations, the underground mine at Esterhazy, while May 8-10, 1966, Dr. Thomson noted the two sides reached an agreement. Concerns Kalium Chemicals started producing potash Saskatchewan chamber was entering its about threats to doctors’ control over their at its solution mine at Belle Plaine in 1964. third decade and “commented on the practices were resolved, while the concept At the executive committee meeting on effectiveness of our organization.’’ Dr. 23 Thomson told delegates that the meeting in society and on the campus’’ as the At the annual meeting in Yorkton on May with the provincial cabinet on Oct. 15, 1965, second major issue, director Allan Tubby of 4-6, 1969, chamber president Dr. R.W. Irwin saw the majority of the chamber’s Saskatoon objected. He felt that this subject of Swift Current outlined the activities of the resolutions accepted “to the point that was receiving far too much publicity, which chamber over the past year, including where we had few unimplemented was making matters worse. representations to provincial and federal recommendations left.’’ governments, promotion of economic But the fourth-ranked issue, the so-called education in elementary and secondary “The president also referred to the Premier’s “The Indian-Metis Problem – A cultural schools and “our support of the Indian- statement concerning the value of the island,” would play a much more prominent Metis program.’’ Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce role in the chamber’s future policy-making. presentations and their value in framing C.W. Cameron, now chairman of the Indian- legislation.’’ In fact, Premier Thatcher had asked the Metis Task Force subcommittee on chamber to appoint a representative to a industrial employment, reported on the committee studying “the Indian-Metis “many problems relating to the training and Dr. Thomson also reported on the problem in Saskatchewan” and suggested employment of Indian and Metis people.’’ integration agreement between the that the “Saskatchewan chamber would Some of the problems Cameron cited provincial chamber and the Canadian be requested to promote employment include the adoption of Indian and Metis Chamber of Commerce, which took effect in of Indian and Metis people at some children by non-native families, the attitude 1952. Under the agreement, the national Hotel Saskatchewan, 1960s future date.’’ of labour unions, control of Indian land, chamber would cover salaries and overhead tenant/landlord relationships, and expenses of the provincial office. In return, At a directors’ meeting on Dec. 10, 1968, counselling of non-native employees. the Saskatchewan chamber would have C.W. Cameron, the chamber’s It was suggested that general education complete autonomy, with respect to policy, representative on the Task Force on Indian may be the best means of helping the programs and resolutions, while agreeing Opportunities, said the task force’s first problem. not to solicit business directly for corporate order of business was finding jobs for membership support. Indian people. Also in 1969, the chamber seemed to be having a full-blown identity crisis. Dr. Thomson, the immediate past-president, The task force found that jobs were Membership and attendance at annual reminded delegates that the chamber had available if the “native people’’ could be meetings continued to decline, chambers two main objectives: to create an effective moved to the regions where the jobs were were airing their dirty laundry in the press, movement and express the views of the located. But Cameron said this was just and other business groups, like the Retail business community on provincial policy. the first step and that a lot more work Merchants’ Association, were encroaching would have to be done to find permanent on the chamber’s turf. At a directors’ meeting on Sept. 13, 1968, solutions. secretary-manager Purdy reported that the The Saskatchewan Industrial Development chamber was asked by the Saskatchewan Cameron told the directors that “the plight Association had been formed because it felt Institute of Public Affairs to rank the of the Indian and Metis people in the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce importance of half a dozen major issues. Saskatchewan was as bad, if not worse, had not been doing its job of industrial When the board of directors chose “unrest than anywhere else in Canada. promotion. 24 As the decade of the 1960s was ending, the the 60-seat legislative assembly, and died a exceed the average growth in GNP (gross chamber sounded the alarm about month after the election. national product), all government programs government spending and rising inflation, should be reviewed and evaluated, and noting that “the economy of Saskatchewan The chamber mourned the passing of the “welfare” programs restrained or curtailed and of Canada appears to be in grave staunch free enterpriser and political if they result in a drastic slowdown in danger as a result of the increasing number soulmate. “Not only did private enterprise economic growth and increased of aid programs and subsidies of all kinds.’’ suddenly become a bad word politically, but unemployment. we also lost a strong champion who As a result, a resolution was passed at the believed in the right of the individual to be The chamber was also feeling shell-shocked 1969-70 annual meeting urging rewarded for his initiative,’’ chamber by the barrage of legislation being passed government at all levels “to refrain from president Michael Stryjek of Humboldt said by the new NDP government, which participation in new aid or subsidy in his speech to the annual meeting in introduced 147 bills in one session – programs wherever possible. ’’ Moose Jaw on May 7, 1972. 29 more than the previous record.

That concern would increase dramatically Because of the change in government, it “The present session of the Legislature in the 1970s, as the twin evils of deficit was October before the chamber was able could be regarded as the most productive spending and rapidly rising inflation would to present its resolutions to the NDP in history,’’ secretary-manager Purdy put a stranglehold on economic growth, a cabinet. “We found the meeting cordial, reported, tongue in cheek, at the 1971-72 Maxwell Henderson, former Auditor General phenomenon that would come to be known but otherwise not too fruitful,’’ Stryjek annual meeting. And many of those bills, of Canada was the guest speaker at the 1977 as “stagflation.’’ told delegates. like the Trade Union Act, Labour Standards SCC AGM. Act, Land Bank Act, Foreign Ownership of Another challenge facing the chamber was On the other hand, the meeting with the Land Act, and Consumer Affairs Act, the defeat of the Thatcher Liberals and the Opposition Liberals went better. “We met affected business directly. election of the NDP government on June 23, quite informally and had an excellent 1971, under former Douglas cabinet discussion with regards to many of our “When the Land Bank Act was announced, minister Allan Blakeney. policies,’’ the president told delegates. we urged every chamber to have Resolutions from the 1971-72 annual representation at the public meetings to While Blakeney was no fire-breathing meeting in Moose Jaw were focused largely discuss the program and make their radical, his NDP government campaigned on public spending and taxation. One opinions known,’’ Purdy said, referring to against the Liberals’ “give-aways’’ to oil and resolution noted that government the legislation to establish the land bank gas, forestry and mining companies, as well expenditures now represented more than commission, which purchased farm land as the Thatcher government’s increasingly one-third of the country’s total outlay in and leased it back to young farmers. tough stance against strikes and organized goods and services, and the resulting labour in general. taxation levels were placing a “heavy But the chamber found that its burden on individuals and corporations.’’ representations often fell on deaf ears. In Thatcher was reportedly shocked by the November, 1971, the chamber submitted a election results, which saw the NDP take 55 The resolution said the increase in brief to the Minimum Wage Board, calling per cent of the popular vote and 45 seats in government expenditures should not for a differential minimum wage for rural 25 H.A. Purdy interview on the midday show to discuss Operation Freedom, May 21, 1962 26 areas and students. “Our presentation The chamber attempted to deal with the and bring the work stoppage to a suitable and those of other business associations, flood of provincial legislation issuing forth conclusion.’’ groups and individuals had little influence from the Legislative Building by passing a on the decisions of the Minimum Wage resolution calling for the government to Similarly, in August, 1974, the chamber Board,’’ Purdy reported. “inform the public, well in advance, of the urged Parliament to “resume sitting nature of new legislation, allowing for full immediately in an attempt to settle the President Stryjek complained of the consideration, discussion and reaction.’’ grain handlers’ dispute.” The chamber said increasing polarization of views that in a news release that the dispute was seemed to pit business against organized At the AGM on May 5-7, 1974, in Weyburn, “highly detrimental to the economy of labour, government, academia and the chamber president O. J. (Orris) Keehr of Saskatchewan because the province relied consumer. Regina reported the chamber raised the greatly on grain exports moved by rail issue on the large volume of legislation through the ports of Vancouver and emanating from Regina with the NDP Thunder Bay.’’ cabinet. He said the chamber also In September, a follow up telegram was complained about the government sent to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and “changing the rules after the game has Michael Stryjek, SCC President, 1971-1973 “In the process of the federal cabinet urging them to take started,’’ specifically referring to bills changing society, there “immediate action to compel the grain affecting the oil and forestry industries, seems to have developed handlers to return to work while a potash mining and other businesses. an ever-widening gap settlement was reached.’’ between the business “We stress the disastrous effect that this community and society at In addition, the chamber was increasingly sort of thing will have on future investment,’’ large. The motivation of worried about the slowdown in the oil and Keehr said. But he added, “I am sorry to business is more and gas industry due to NDP government policy. say that I cannot report much progress more questioned. The The Oil and Gas Conservation, Stabilization in this regard.’’ profit motive is held and Development Act permitted the suspect, in fact, in many government to control production, set retail places the word ‘profit’ is Labour unrest was another major issue for prices, establish a marketing agency and held to be a dirty word.’’ the chamber in 1974-75, as a series of take control of up to 90 per cent of strikes both inside and outside the province provincial oil and gas reserves. SCC President Stryjek, 1971 caused significant economic damage to the provincial economy and individual The act would be challenged by the oil businesses. industry in the courts and found to be ultra vires by the Supreme Court of Canada, In May, 1974, the chamber sent a letter to although a settlement was eventually The annual meeting also saw Eric Robert Premier Blakeney regarding the “crippling reached with the oil industry. (Bob) Olson, general manager of the construction strikes throughout the Alwinsal Potash of Canada mine at province,’’ urging the government to “make Another issue that would loom even larger Lanigan, elected president. every effort to resolve the labour dispute in the years ahead was NDP government Guests at Political Forum, 1978 27 inflation, wage and price controls, and labour unrest.

“Strong emphasis was placed on excess government expenditures at all levels, reinforced by the ever-increasing number of civil servants and massive government building programs, as a primary cause of inflation.’’

As for solutions, the chamber delegation recommended a thorough review of government programs to eliminate duplication, acceptance of the federal wage and price control policy and a “program of fiscal restraint.’’ policy regarding potash, specifically its plan Despite the chamber’s dire warnings, a to acquire a share in the production of Crown corporation, Potash Corporation of The NDP government’s policy to acquire a potash, ostensibly as a means of monitoring Saskatchewan (PCS), was duly formed in significant proportion of the potash mining and encouraging the sale of the mineral. 1975 and proceeded to negotiate the assets in the province continued to concern The chamber was quick to react. purchase of four mines and the production the chamber in 1976. The chamber capacity of a fifth mined under contract. suggested that the government offer 50 In a letter to Premier Blakeney, the chamber The acquisitions resulted in the Crown per cent or more of the shares of Potash rejected the government’s rationale for Corporation owning 40 per cent of Corp. of Saskatchewan to residents and attempting to take over all or part of the Saskatchewan’s productive capacity. foreign-owned potash industry, adding that other Canadians. negotiating a mutually agreeable rate of Rising inflation and continued labour unrest return would be a viable alternative to However, it would take a dozen years and were other issues that preoccupied the expropriation. a change of government for the chamber’s chamber in 1975. The chamber applauded plan to privatize Potash Corp. to come the federal government’s Anti-Inflation As the representative of the business to fruition. Above: Collective Bargaining Workshop, 1978 Program as an effective way to combat the community, the chamber believed it had an nation’s inflationary problems. The chamber also blasted the NDP Below: Blakeney at theWe All Profit from obligation to oppose government Profitspresentation at the 1976 SCC AGM intervention in private enterprise. “The government for its oil and gas royalty rates chamber stated the government did not The chamber met with the NDP cabinet on and taxation policies, noting that the 254 oil have a clear mandate from the people to Oct. 17, 1975, to discuss the chamber’s and gas wells drilled in 1975 was the lowest introduce legislation of such magnitude, statement of policy and resolutions arising in 24 years, while Alberta saw 3,700 wells and could not support the unjustifiable risk from the 1975-76 annual meeting in drilled during the same period. The reason of working capital required.’’ Lloydminster, specifically its concerns about for this vast discrepancy was that Alberta 28 producers receive a 150 per cent larger should not, and must not, ignore its return per barrel than Saskatchewan competitive advantages to the producers, the chamber said. businessman,’’ which include no sales tax, lower personal and corporate income tax The chamber urged the NDP to bring rates and a recently introduced package of Saskatchewan royalty rates closer to those tax incentives for small business, the in Alberta and B.C. to assist the industry chamber argued. which had almost become dormant in the past two years. However, the chamber did score some wins as the province eliminated succession duties and gift taxes in the 1976-77 budget, a welcome move which the chamber had been encouraging since its inception, “The chamber has according to F.L. Anderson of Regina, consistently opposed chairman of the finance committee. incursions by government into industrial At its annual meeting April 15-16, 1977, in undertakings, and remains North Battleford, the chamber continued its convinced that competitive attack on the NDP government’s enterprise is the best form interference in private business and of organization to develop, intervention in the economy. One resolution own and operate called for the suspension of the Trade industries,’’ according to Practices Act, which sets out unfair acts, the policy statements and such as “trickery” or high-pressure sales resolutions passed at the tactics or grossly overpricing products. annual meeting in Swift Current, May 6-8, 1976. The resolution recommended the government not pass the proposed legislation because the benefit to the consumer would be minimal, and, to a In the same vein, the chamber called for the great extent, the proposed bill would Blakeney government to follow Alberta’s overlap with existing federal legislation example and lower taxes for businesses, under the Combines Investigations Act. especially small business operations. Similarly, when 60 or so chamber members

“Although we do not have the wealth of met with Premier Blakeney and members of Hon. Snyder, Minister of Labour, bringing greetings on behalf of the Saskatchewan government Alberta in this province, nevertheless we his cabinet on Sept. 7, 1977, they outlined at the SCC Presidents Dinner on May 9, 1972. 29 their concerns about the “growing size and relations and communications services, However, the decade of the 1980s would influence of government in our society, and such as the Business Review, Legislative prove just as challenging as the ‘70s. particularly in our economy.’’ Report and Viewpoint surveys. Double-digit inflation and sky-high interest rates, deficit spending and a crisis of Specifically, the chamber recommended “The Saskatchewan chamber registers a confidence in our financial institutions “shifting some government activities to the steady increase in its influence as the ‘Voice would exact a heavy toll on many Canadian private sector,’’ making governments more of Business’ in this province,’’ said chamber businesses, including some well-known accountable and developing incentives to president Rnold Smith of Regina in the members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of promote greater efficiency in government 1978-79 annual report. Commerce. operations. Smith, who was elected at the annual R. H. (Harvie) Allan of Regina, who was meeting in Yorkton, April 28, 1978, said the elected president at the annual meeting in chamber’s policies were being developed North Battleford, remarked that the and presented more effectively and its Saskatchewan Chamber was increasingly opinions are being sought out prior to the “becoming the voice of business in our introduction of legislation. province.’’ The result was a less adversarial Above: Issues of the Day, 1978 According to the 1978-79 annual report, relationship with government, with “The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce confrontation replaced by Opposite top: Speak Out For Business was the 1976 SCC AGM theme can now claim to be a far more recommendations based on concepts that representative voice of business than ever reflect basic business precepts. Opposite bottom left: Delegates at the AGM before. An intensified legislative drive in in the 1970s support of business objectives resulted in Regina businessman G.E. (Ross) Sneath, Opposite bottom right: Cluff Lake Camp, 1969 some important developments and was elected president at the annual achievements in the past year.’’ meeting in Yorkton, April 27-28, 1979. Sneath believed that a co-operative “Through a network of almost 100 chamber approach worked better than a members and boards, representing an confrontational approach with the entire system of almost 13,000 business provincial government. “Our plan has been people, the chamber is able to provide the to co-operate with the government through provincial government with the grass roots’ discussion and constructive suggestions sentiment of the business community,” the and criticism. By our positive input, we annual report said. believe that we can prove that many governmental services, programs and The chamber was also providing more facilities would be better left in the services to its members, including group competent hands of free enterprise,’’ Sneath insurance, business seminars on labour said in the 1979-80 annual report. 30 31

The previous two decades saw tremendous major concern of our organization,’’ said change in Saskatchewan, with the advent of Humphreys. ISSUES OF THE DAY: Medicare in the ’60s and the • Public vs. Private Ownership ‘nationalization’ of the potash mines in the The chamber continued its battle against ’70s, along with rising deficits and double- changes in labour legislation, such as the • Lobby for changes to the digit inflation across the country. Labour Standards Act amendments, which Trade Union Act would require employers to give employees • Property tax, specifically The next two decades would be, if anything, two consecutive days off, one of which must lobbying for the removal of even more challenging for the province’s be Sunday. the business tax from the business community. Runaway inflation education portion of property would push interest rates through the roof, Similarly, the chamber continued to lobby taxes causing a massive and prolonged for changes to the Trade Union Act that • Free trade negotiations with contraction in the economy. Deficit “achieve a better balance between the the USA spending would also reach record heights, interests of unions and their members, • Federal tax reform eventually necessitating a dramatic and the interests of employers and the reduction in government spending. general public.’’ • Provincial and federal deficit spending The result was a decade that began In the 1981-82 annual report, president • Minimum wage SCC publication: Business Review Magazines with great promise only to end in a M.P. (Mervin) Zulynik, president of Tri-City • Economic development decade of economic recession and Surveys of North Battleford, pointed out government austerity. that several lobbying efforts by the • Health and education chamber had borne fruit. • Environmental regulations President V.L. (Lorne) Humphreys of The • Sales tax harmonization Harwood’s Moose Jaw Inn, noted in the For example, the chamber had “vigorously 1980-81 annual report that the debate opposed’’ a proposed universal long-term • Formation of the Aboriginal Economic Development Task over the pros and cons of public versus disability insurance plan as being “totally Force private ownership continued unabated in out of proportion to the actual needs of the province. Saskatchewan residents.’’ The Minister of Labour ultimately shelved the proposal, “The loss of the entrepreneurial individual citing “limited support’’ from the public. drive… has been, and will continue to be, a Similarly, the chamber had successfully 33 Left: Premier Grant Devine at the 39th AGM and Business Outlook Conference in 1984

Right: Chamber officers discuss education and health tax policy

Opposite top: 1983, SCC Executive Director Bob Finlay speaks with a British businessman during the official function of the British Trade Mission

Opposite below: The 1984 London Investment and Business Opportunities Seminar

argued for “merit-based rates,’’ which would the oil patch and made good on a “The mission was successful, and it is reward employers with good job safety campaign promise to axe the gas tax, expected that two foreign companies will records with lower premiums, and “return- putting about $400 million a year back into invest in the province within a year,’’ the to-work’’ incentives for injured workers the pockets of consumers. annual report said. The chamber also through the Workers’ Compensation Board. applauded the Devine government’s But the loss of the gas tax revenue also commitment to public sector wage The year 1982 also saw a watershed punched a big hole into provincial coffers, restraint, more balanced labour legislation, moment in the province’s history, with the which contributed to a deficit of $1.2 billion and a major review of the NDP’s growing election of Grant Devine’s Progressive by the end of the Devine government’s’ first collection of Crown corporations. Conservatives, defeating the Blakeney NDP, four-year term of office. which had been in office since 1971. Two measures lobbied for by the chamber – The chamber quickly got on board with the an increase in commission for collecting the Devine, a farmer with a PhD in agricultural new government, co-sponsoring the Open Education & Health (E&H) tax and removal economics who taught at the Uuniversity of for Business conference, which outlined the of E&H tax from children’s clothing -- were Saskatchewan, promised to make government’s initiatives to attract introduced in the 1982 budget. Saskatchewan “Open for Business’’ and investment to the province. Following the proceeded to do that, by reining in and conference, chamber president Ray Chamber members met with Finance eventually selling off several Crown Malinoski, president of Leon’s Minister Bob Andrew in January, 1983 to corporations, including the Potash Corp. Manufacturing of Yorkton, joined Industry discuss the 1983-84 budget. “While the and Commerce Minister Paul Rousseau on growing deficit announced in the 1983 Devine also cut taxes for business, a 17-day ministerial mission to five budget is of concern, its impact is offset SCC President Marcel de la Gorgendiere introduced a three-year royalty holiday for European countries. by the fact that it is ‘manageable’ – 34 temporary rather than structural,’’ the The ABEX Awards gala was held in Regina annual report said. Oct. 17, 1984 and attracted a capacity Another positive crowd of 500. Develcon, a Saskatoon tech “Its cause appears to lie in reduced development for the firm, was named the 1984 Business of the revenue, not in government expenditure chamber in 1983 was the Year, along with 11 other category winners. (where, in fact, we saw some welcome announcement of the first- government restraint),’’ the report added. ever Achievement in Unfortunately, Canada’s economy was still sluggish, burdened with high Business Excellence (ABEX) Unfortunately, that sanguine assessment unemployment and high interest rates, Awards, which was would prove to be wildly inaccurate. Rising huge deficits and slow economic growth. scheduled to take place in interest rates would cause the accumulated deficit to balloon to $15 billion by 1991-92 October, 1984. The moribund economy continued to be and interest payments on the debt to $500 top of mind when chamber president John million, the third-largest expenditure of While several chamber Nightingale of Saskatoon wrote his government behind health and education. Directors and volunteers president’s message in the 1985 annual helped to create the ABEX report. In the 1983 annual report, chamber Awards, much of the credit president Marcel de la Gorgendiere goes to Roger Phillips, “For the past three years we have believed reflected on a year that saw significant president of IPSCO, who we were in an economic depression,’’ said changes to the Trade Union Act, was the catalyst for this Nightingale, president of Key Lake Mining introduction of venture capital tax credits, business recognition Corp. “Now we believe this might be a and elimination of sales tax on R&D program. normal level of activity.’’ prototypes, thanks in large measure to the Nightingale, who also served as president of chamber’s lobbying efforts. “The ABEX Awards may be the Saskatchewan Mining Association, said the most significant long- The chamber also participated in a six-day the business community was operating on term step our organization government-business trade mission to tighter budgets and “this situation is likely has taken for the business London, U.K., in October, 1983, to promote to continue.’’ the province as a good place to invest and community and the general do business. The highlight of the trade public,” said Marcel de la Workers’ Compensation Board issues mission was a one-day investment and Gorgendiere, SCC President, continued to preoccupy the chamber’s business opportunities seminar attended by 1983-84. labour committee. The chamber more than 100 financiers and industrialists. successfully lobbied against changes to the formula for income compensation that could result in an injured worker earning more on compensation than at work.

Once again, the chamber agitated for changes to the Trade Union Act, and 35 Left: 1984 ABEX

Top right: Roger Phillips, 1984 IPSCO President and creator of the ABEX Awards

Below: ABEX Advertising 1984

Opposite top left: Issue of the Day, Free Trade

Opposite right: R.B. (Boyd) Robertson 1987 SCC President

Opposite below: 1987 Montana Chamber of Commerce and SCC meet to discuss free trade

36 Labour Standards Act, which the PC The collapse of Pioneer Trust was the government indicated would see a major largest financial failure in Saskatchewan overhaul in the next session. history, with $243 million in funds on deposit, and sent shock waves through the Property tax reform, specifically the removal business community. As Royal Bank of the business tax from the education Saskatchewan vice-president (and soon to portion of property taxes, was another key be chamber president) Boyd Robertson told objective of the chamber’s economic Maclean’s magazine: “It is a devastating development committee. blow to the provincial economy.’’

The March 26, 1985 provincial budget was By 1986, however, the chamber had moved seen as positive for small business. onto new challenges, namely free trade “However, the fact there was no serious negotiations with the U.S. and federal sales attempt to attack the ever-increasing deficit tax reform, in addition to the ongoing issues is cause for alarm,” the chamber said. of property tax, business tax and the ever- While the burgeoning provincial deficit growing provincial and federal deficits. would prove to be a big shock to chamber members, an even bigger one came in the While admitting free trade was form of the sudden collapse of Pioneer Trust controversial, the chamber adopted the on Feb. 7, 1985. position that “Canada should pursue a comprehensive trade agreement with the The Regina-based financial institution had U.S.,’’ according to the 1986 annual report. run into financial trouble in the 1980s due to the stagnant real estate market in Incoming chamber president Boyd Western Canada, which had undermined its Robertson spoke to the Montana Chamber mortgage lending business. In January of Commerce in July 1986 on the topic 1985, the Devine government had agreed Good Neighbours Should Be Good Partners. to backstop a $25-million preferred share He even outdrew U.S. Vice-President issue by Pioneer Trust’s parent company, George. H.W. Bush, who was speaking at Canadian Pioneer Management (CPM), the same convention hotel! which would be used to keep the trust company afloat. But a review of the The chamber also embraced the need company’s books by finance department for reform of the federal Manufacturers’ officials caused Finance Minister Bob Sales Tax, which was generally agreed Andrew to withdraw the guarantee, to be unfair, outdated and inefficient. triggering the collapse of Pioneer Trust, and One proposed solution was the Business the immediate closure of its 11 branches Transfer Tax (BTT), which would tax the across the province. difference between a business’s sales 37 and its purchases. The BTT was a The conference also attracted many critics the chamber, which noted that the forerunner of the value-added Goods and opponents of free trade, some of whom accumulated deficit was forecast to hit and Services Tax (GST). demonstrated in front of the conference $10.8 billion. centre in downtown Saskatoon. Business tax, which was initiated in 1940 to Business tax was another hot topic for the pay for “extra’’ services for business, such chamber, which repeated its call to as street paving, lighting and parking, was eliminate the education portion of the tax another bone of contention for the and phase out the remaining half in three chamber. With $38 million in business tax “It is unfortunate that years. The government responded by collected annually, the chamber called for such things as the free making available $10 million in matching the education portion of business tax to be trade initiative have grants to local governments to reduce the removed immediately and the municipal become politicized to the tax burden on small business. half phased out over three years. extent that they attract a great deal of criticism 1988 saw the passage of the free trade The chamber also continued to hammer from dissenting political agreement with the U.S. following a divisive away at the province’s accumulated deficit, parties and groups, which which had grown to an estimated $3 billion fall election fought largely on the issue. have a tendency to distort since the first deficit budget in 1982. A With the re-election of the Progressive 1987 SCC President R.G. (Bob) Bundon the initiative and the chamber task force came up with a five- Conservatives under Prime Minister Brian issues,’’ said chamber point plan to reduce and eliminate the Mulroney, the Free Trade Agreement deficit, including raising taxes and president Robert (Bob) became law on Jan. 1, 1989. decreasing spending on a one-to-one ratio, Bundon. implementing a special deficit tax and “Some things will change because of free deficit fund to show the true cost of deficit trade, some businesses will likely disappear, financing and prohibiting deficit financing and there are still many hurdles to deal by legislation. with, but I believe the opportunities are Bundon, a Saskatoon accountant, said in much greater than ever before,” said SCC the 1987 annual report that lobbying the “We still feel deficit financing should be President Royce Reichert. abolished by law,’’ Robertson said in the provincial government is “required on a annual report. “We cannot continue to live constant basis’’ and will likely increase “now But Reichert, president of Badge Services of beyond our means.’’ that we are entering the privatization era.” Estevan, an oilfield service company, The highlight of 1987 for the chamber was However, Bundon was confident that the admitted the year had been a tough one the Free Trade Conference in Saskatoon, chamber had the expertise to respond to for his company and others in the oil patch March 7-8, which attracted 450 delegates the issues, and that government would due to plummeting oil prices and reduced from across Western Canada. The two-and- continue to seek and respect the chamber’s drilling activity. a-half day conference featured 54 speakers, views and that the chamber membership Mary Ann McFadyen, SCC Managing including Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., supported the chamber’s initiatives. The The world price of oil, which had peaked at Director, 1987 Allan Gotlieb. deficit continued to be a major concern of $35 US a barrel in the 1980s, fell from $27 38 US to below $10 US in 1986. The price education, debt and deficits, sales tax expenditures, not tax increases,’’ the finance collapse was the result of an oil glut due harmonization, occupational health and committee said in the annual report. largely to the global economic slowdown. safety, environmental regulations, with both provincial and federal governments. Eliminating grants and subsidies, selling off Another chamber recommendation dating Crowns and increasing private participation back to 1980 – to provide rebates to “…the chamber’s committees continue to in government commercial activities were companies with good workplace safety have excellent leadership and participation, among the committee’s recommended records – was paying big dividends for which is imperative in order that our solutions to the fiscal crisis. Saskatchewan businesses. In 1988, more mandate to lobby government can be th than half of employers received $7.1 million wisely exercised,” Kish added. As the chamber headed into its 45 year of in premium rebates from the Workers’ operation since its rebirth in 1945, Kish Compensation Board, while a total of $40 On the subject of federal sales tax reform, sounded an optimistic note. “I have this 1987 SCC President Sylvia Kish presents million in rebates were received over the the chamber was adamant that changes tremendous expectation that the next 10 year membership plaque to Paul Hill previous eight years. were needed, but that “the proposed Goods decade will be the most challenging and and Service Tax, in its present form, cannot satisfying of the century,’’ Kish said in her Persistent lobbying by the chamber also be supported.’’ president’s report. persuaded the provincial government to rebate $30 million to the business Whether the 1990s were the most satisfying While it agreed with the reduction in the community over three years as partial decade of the 20th century is a matter of proposed GST rate from nine per cent to compensation for paying the business tax. opinion, but Kish’s prediction that the new seven per cent, the finance committee decade would be the most challenging was believed there was room for further 1989 marked another milestone for the prescient indeed. provincial chamber, with the election of S.J. reduction. (Sylvia) Kish, owner of Sylvia Kish Wardrobes In 1990, J.W. (Jim) Yuel, president of Prairie The committee also called for the Inc. of Regina, the first woman president of Industrial Chemicals Inc. of Saskatoon, was harmonization of the federal GST and the the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. elected president of the Saskatchewan provincial sales (E&H) tax, which would Chamber and he saw this as a bench Also, with the resignation of executive result in a single tax collection system, tax mark year … a year when the direction vice-president Bob Finlay, the chamber base and rate. The Devine government had of the province and the provincial also named its first female executive proposed harmonization of the GST and economy turned. director, M.A. (Mary Ann) McFadyen, who E&H tax at a combined rate of 14 per cent, had served for years as managing director but the committee recommended a five per In many respects, Yuel’s comments were of the chamber. cent rate for the E&H tax. remarkably prophetic, but it would be many years, if not decades, before they would In the 1989 annual report, Kish highlighted On the fiscal front, the chamber continued come to fruition. the long list of issues the chamber was to press for deficit reduction and tax reform. engaged in, such as minimum wage, “The repeated refrain has been that deficit Meanwhile, the chamber’s economic economic development, health and reduction must occur through decreased development committee appeared before 39 Saskatchewan Delegation address European delegates, 1984 On Oct. 21, 1991, the NDP under former “Any policy that would disallow such attorney-general Roy Romanow defeated enterprises from participating in the “I see a new direction the Devine Conservatives after nine years in competitive tendering process cannot forming with a surge power. This change would have major possibly be viewed as ‘fair and open’ and of rural industrial consequences for the Saskatchewan would be extremely harmful to development, which will business community, and the chamber in Saskatchewan’s reputation in North move this province from particular. America,’’ the committee said. a dependence on agriculture to a No longer would the chamber have a willing The Economic Development Committee manufacturing and partner in revising taxation, labour and continued its fight against the property processing export base.’’ environmental legislation in ways assessment process proposed by SAMA favourable to the business community. and was urging the government to Jim Yuel, SCC President 1990-91 Instead, the Romanow government would “rationalize the many government departments and agencies currently be fixated on digging the province out of involved in providing economic the mountain of deficits and debt development services so that they do accumulated during the Devine years. so in a cost-effective, high-impact fashion.’’ the Saskatchewan Environmental That meant significant tax increases, Assessment Review Commission to argue The committee added that it would government spending restraint and for the “need to achieve a reasonable investigate the feasibility of a government- austerity budgets for much of the first term balance between environmental protection industry partnership, called the SCC President 1990-91, Jim Yuel of office for the Romanow New Democrats. and economic reality.’’ Saskatchewan Economic Development It also meant the end of plans to harmonize Authority. This would be like regional the PST with the GST. The Economic Development Committee economic development organizations, only was equally busy and had proposed provincial in scope. Fortunately, the WCB continued to elimination of duplication, harmonization of implement the chamber’s recommendation regulations, clarity and predictability in the The following year, the pace of the to implement merit-based rates, which paid application of laws and regulations as a chamber’s lobbying efforts increased, as the $9.1 million in rebates to 20,000 employers, new government continued to overhaul way to simplify and speed up the regulatory while maintaining competitive premium labour, environmental, taxation, minimum process for major projects. rates for employers. wage, pay and employment equity legislation, as well as government On the equally thorny issue of sale tax The SCC’s Labour Committee had been construction tendering policy. reform, the finance committee continued to actively advocating against a proposed advocate lowering the GST/PST rate to 4-5 union contractors-only policy on major The Economic Development Committee per cent (for a combined rate of 9-10 per projects. It felt that adding such a policy continued to have its hands full, with cent), and the integration of the PST and would be in contradiction of the Premier’s recommendations to create regional GST to minimize administrative costs to pledge of ‘fair and open tendering’ of all economic development authorities; government and business. government contracts. development of a proposed trade and 41 Opposite top: SCC Labour Committee market development organization; and number of changes being made to labour the strong message that the province has meets to discuss final proposals to amend ongoing environmental issues, like laws, including Workers’ Compensation, “hit the wall in terms of tax increases.’’ On the Trade Union Act, 1984. underground storage tanks, environmental Occupational Health and Safety, Trade sales tax reform, the committee Opposite bottom: Provincial chamber liability, and impact assessment criteria. Union and Labour Standards acts. recommended the government “lower the President Marcel de la Gorgondiere and 1st Similarly, the Labour Committee was present tax rate, broaden the base for Vice President Will Klein discuss Business grappling with changes coming out of the “A major focus for the provincial chamber consumer goods, and to reduce the Week with Economic Development and Workers’ Compensation Act Review. One in 1993 has been to deal with proposals to number of business inputs to which the Trade Minister Eric Berntson. proposal would do away with the concept amend labour legislation. In our sales tax is applied.’’ of “deeming,’’ so that an injured worker negotiations, we have lobbied for labour would receive compensation, not only until relations legislation that provides an even While the chamber could be critical of the the worker was ”deemed” to be able to balance to all stakeholders,’’ MT Watson, NDP government policy on fiscal matters, work, but until the worker was actually SCC President said in his president’s report labour legislation and environmental receiving earnings. The Committee said the in 1993. regulations, it also helped the government WCB changes would impose unnecessary, formulate policies that were more harmful costs at a time when many Accordingly, the Labour Committee “business friendly.’’ businesses were struggling to survive. successfully lobbied the government to spread a proposed 10.5 per cent increase in For example, the economic development WCB premium rates over two years instead The chamber also reiterated its opposition committee was invited by the government of one and argued for an Industrial to any increase in the minimum wage, to participate in an initiative to establish a Relations Council to provide consensus noting that the “current economy cannot new Saskatchewan trade and market recommendations to the government on support an increase in the minimum wage.’’ development organization. “It is anticipated Trade Union Act changes and “remove that the organization would operate as a politics from labour issues.’’ A credit rating downgrade by Standard and one-stop shop to provide a wide range of trade-export services to Saskatchewan Poor’s prompted the chamber’s Finance The Finance Committee presented the companies,’’ the finance committee Committee to renew calls for the provincial Finance Minister with its report, The Move reported. government to redouble its efforts to from Intensive Care, the sequel to its 1993 reduce the deficit. Noting that report, The Financial Wellness Model, a Saskatchewan has one of the highest nod to the NDP’s “wellness model” for This would ultimately become the personal tax rates among the provinces health care. Saskatchewan Trade and Export and the highest debt per capita, “the Partnership (STEP), a government-industry chamber has been constant in its position The 1994 report called on the government organization that would be government- of attacking the deficit/debt through to “stay the course’’ on deficit reduction, funded but able to raise its own funds from reduced expenditures and emphasized that adding that in the event of any shortfall in service and membership fees to provide there is no tolerance for increased projected revenues, “the only option is to services to its private sector members. taxation.’’ reduce government expenditures.’’ In a similar vein, the chamber took part in 1993 was another busy year for the In its pre-budget submission to the Finance the discussions around the development chamber and its various committees, with a Minister, the finance committee conveyed of the Saskatchewan Tourism Authority, 42 another government-industry organization Still, the Finance Committee reiterated the that would have government funding, chamber’s position in favour of sales tax with the ability to raise its own funds harmonization and reduced government eventually. This entity would become spending, and in opposition to any tax Tourism Saskatchewan, which existed as a increases, noting that revenues from public-private partnership from 1994 until taxation had “reached the point of it was turned into a treasury board diminishing returns.’’ Crown corporation by the Wall government in 2012. The chamber’s lobbying efforts were less successful with the Trade Union Act In 1994, the chamber continued its efforts amendments, however. While consensus around the deficit, taxes and red tape. between business and labour Some victories included developing representatives was reached on 16 of 20 regulations for the Labour Standards Act. contentious issues, the chamber urged the Specifically, the chamber pointed out that government to form a Saskatchewan two provisions, most available hours and Industrial Relations Council to deal with the benefits for part-time workers, could cause four outstanding issues. serious problems for employers if scheduling work hours and layoffs were When the bill was passed in October 1994, done based on seniority. When the new without the recommended changes, the act was proclaimed in February 1995, chamber expressed “disappointment’’ and the offending sections were dropped, recommended “depoliticizing’’ the process thanks in large measure to the chamber’s of developing labour laws. lobbying efforts.

Another small, but symbolically significant, Similarly, the chamber took issue with the win was Finance Minister Janice Crown Construction Tendering Agreement, MacKinnon’s introduction of the Balanced which called for non-union contractors to Budget Act, legislation the chamber had hire a prescribed number of unionized been calling for since 1986. workers on Crown construction projects. One issue that both the chamber and the In fact, the Finance Committee praised the provincial government had been concerned NDP government for the progress it had about since the 1960s was the lack of job made on deficit reduction, and supported opportunities for Indian and Métis people. the government’s practice of presenting a In an effort to make progress on this financial plan over two or three years to long-standing problem, the chamber warn departments if reduced funding was formed the Aboriginal Economic planned. Development Task Force. 43 “A major focus for the task force is to make Saskatchewan a preferred place to do business with the aboriginal community, and work toward common goals, especially in the area of job creation. Education and skills training were an important part of the partnering process with First Nations and Métis people.”

SCC 1994 Annual Report

Environmental issues were also gaining both in number and importance, with the chamber providing input to provincial bodies, like the Waste Management Advisory Group, Saskatchewan Clean Air Strategy Task Force and the Used Oil/Underground Storage Tank Review. Considering the increased importance and sheer numbers of environmental matters, the chamber decided to remove the Environment Task Force from the Economic Development Committee and establish a separate Environment Committee. The chair of the Environment Committee was Robert Schutzman of IPSCO, who would continue to chair that Committee until the present day. 44 The year 1995 was very much like any other debt reduction plans, which had been not based on blind faith. It is based on our year in the recent history of the chamber. recommended by the chamber. many achievements, some of which are The chamber and its committees worked described in this report,’’ said SCC President hard to represent the interests of the The government’s move to have the James Glass of Athabaska Airways Ltd., in business community by lobbying Provincial Action Committee on the the 1996 annual report. government, promoting entrepreneurism, Economy (PACE), an industry-government and recognizing business achievement. advisory board, assess the competitiveness One of those achievements Glass referred of Saskatchewan’s business climate was to was the reduction in the provincial sales When the WCB announced its premium also applauded by the chamber. tax (PST) from nine per cent to seven per rates for 1996, the chamber denounced cent in the 1996-97 budget, which the them as “excessive’’ and pressed the The chamber also approved of the chamber had advocated for several years. government to conduct an independent government’s plan to give 45 days’ notice of The budget also saw targeted tax incentives review of the WCB. The province responded any utility rate increase and the for the hog industry and other livestock by appointing actuarial consultant Bruce introduction of the Balanced Budget Act, operations, as well as the Manufacturing Neville to head the independent review and which was a “long-standing position of the and Processing Investment Tax Credit, due Top: Bob Schutzman at an Environment Committee Meeting in 1997. agreed to freeze the rates until the review chamber.’’ largely to the chamber’s lobbying efforts. was complete. Opposite: Finance Committee News Conference Another ‘win’ for the chamber was the But the chamber urged the government to with Brian Kinder, Peter Stephenson and go beyond balancing the budget over a government’s regulatory reform initiative, The Neville Report called for the WCB to Casey Davis four-year period and aim for balanced which would see the introduction of a “zero develop a “new actuarially sound budgets annually. In addition, the chamber sum’’ regulatory policy that would reduce assessment rate model’’ to be used for suggested that the government should start red tape for small and medium-sized setting 1997 premium rates and that to pay down the provincial debt. businesses. In 1996-97 fiscal year, the “insurance principles must apply to case regulatory reform policy was expected to management’’ of workplace injury claims. Finally, the chamber supported the reduce red tape by 116 regulations, or 16 government’s plan announced in the per cent. While endorsing most of the Neville Report’s spring budget to review the province’s recommendations, the chamber urged the taxation system to “assess it fairness On the subject of tax reform, the chamber government take the next step and review and effectiveness.’’ urged the NDP government to close the the compensation system and implement competitiveness gap with Alberta by “early intervention’’ and “early return-to- While disappointed with the pace of debt implementing a “fair and equitable taxation work” strategies. reduction, the chamber praised the system” that will allow Saskatchewan government for heeding its warnings about business to compete on a “level playing On the province’s Partnership for Renewal Saskatchewan’s high tax levels, and not field.’’ strategy, the chamber was generally announcing any new taxes in the budget. supportive of initiatives, such as reduction of In 1997, change and competitiveness the regulatory burden for business and “My belief in our organization’s ability to seemed to be the watch words of the longer-term financial management and effect change and in our future potential is provincial chamber. 45 Left: SCC AGM, 1997 For example, the chamber said that The chamber supported the government’s Energy-producing provinces, like “Saskatchewan Crowns must continue to use of “targeted tax incentives and royalty Saskatchewan, would be hard hit, and the Right: Labour Committee evolve and change to meet the needs of the restructuring’’ to improve the province’s hardest hit would be energy companies, like meeting, 1997 people of Saskatchewan in a dynamic, competitiveness, but noted the province SaskPower, which produces 70 per cent of competitive global market.’’ was “not focused on the underlying its electricity by coal-fired plants, the elements,’’ such as major reform of the Environment Committee added. That was the gist of the chamber’s business and personal income tax systems. submission to the Talking About Crown corporations continued to be a Saskatchewan Crowns (TASC) In its pre-budget submission, the Finance major focus of the chamber in 1998. SCC subcommittee, which was created to Committee advised the government that President Lloyd Boutilier said the chamber provide direction to the NDP government “meaningful personal tax reductions” were “endorses a change in the ownership on its stable of Crown corporations going required to attract and retain skilled structure of certain Crown corporations in into the new decade. employees, increase consumption, create order to ease the tax burden on the jobs and stimulate economic growth. taxpayers of Saskatchewan.’’ The chamber cited the Competitiveness Task Force report by the Provincial Action The chamber’s Environment Committee For example, the chamber encouraged the Committee on the Economy (PACE), which noted that the federal government’s plans sale of SaskTel “in order to remove the identified three goals to improve to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions barriers to its competitiveness in the global Saskatchewan’s business climate: identify by six per cent below 1990 levels by 2010, telecommunications market.’’ and eliminate cost barriers to which was agreed to at the Kyoto summit, competitiveness, become “attitude are “not realistic.’’ Working together, the Finance and competitive,’’ and identify and build on Economic Development Committees provincial advantages. pressed the provincial government to forge 46 an integrated fiscal/economic ‘action plan’ its most ambitious initiatives, Action From that information gathering process, a to include broad-based tax reductions. Saskatchewan: A Blueprint for 2005. “plan of action’’ was developed, which President Stan Schmidt of Global Television included specific goals and strategies from The committees urged the government to in Saskatoon, said the objective of Action each committee. use a co-operative approach when building Saskatchewan was to “position transportation infrastructure, as well as Saskatchewan for long-term economic Particular credit for the success of Action communications systems, to ensure growth.’’ Saskatchewan go to Larry Hiles, Mark Saskatchewan can compete in the global McLeod and Craig Zawada from the marketplace. Over the winter of 1999-2000, a series of chamber board, the scores of volunteers, town hall meetings were held followed by and the hundreds of individuals who offered Value-added manufacturing and more than 25 focus groups involving as input. Paul Martin and Clare Kirkland were processing was promoted because an many stakeholders as possible. Out of those brought on board to coordinate the process economy based on harvesting our natural meetings and focus groups emerged a plan and write the final action plan. resources was no longer viable, while that would send out a positive sign that cutting red tape was encouraged to attract Saskatchewan is open for business. “There are no quick fixes – but we have Mary Ann McFayden, SCC Executive investors and entrepreneurs, develop made progress toward our goals,’’ Schmidt Director until 2007 innovations and increase business volumes. “We didn’t leave it to governments. That’s said in his president’s report. “I suggest we the old way, the way of megaprojects, focus on the processes that will position us The Labour Committee continued its heavy handouts and bailouts. The new way is take lifting on the WCB file, specifically its effort to succeed… as we move forward in the greater responsibility for our own economic to obtain information on how the WCB 21st Century.’’ future and do it from the local level because financed the operations of the we, as the business community, are a major Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Certainly, there were no quick fixes, but the part of the solution,’’ said Schmidt. division and Department of Labour early years of the new millennium would operations. bring some much-needed reforms to the As part of Action Saskatchewan, the province’s taxation system, largely due to The Environment Committee continued to chamber identified barriers that could the chamber’s relentless lobbying efforts. struggle with the Kyoto Protocol, specifically impede the growth of Saskatchewan’s its impact on “each and every enterprise, such as regulatory burdens. Saskatchewan business, and each and The chamber gathered input from the every man, woman and child. If business community on key areas, such implementation goes ahead as planned – as taxation, labour, education and this province will bear the brunt of national investment, and identified areas of change because of the energy-intensive weakness and strength, such as nature of our economy,’’ the committee transportation, communications, social said in the 1998 annual report. infrastructure; marketing and investment, regulation, legislation and taxation, As the province prepared to enter a new environmental issues and workforce century, the chamber embarked on one of development and retention. 47

sluggish economic and population growth, in turning Action Saskatchewan Version government austerity and a ‘bunker 2.0 from a blueprint into a working plan ISSUES OF THE DAY: mentality’ among the business community. of action. • Provincial income tax “Improving the attitude of all people in In addition to working on Action • Provincial sales tax the province is a major endeavour, one Saskatchewan, the chamber’s legislative • Corporate income tax and that we all recognize as the first step in lobbying efforts continued unabated in the property taxes making Saskatchewan a leader in year 2000. • Skilled labour shortage economic growth,’’ Davis said in the 2000 annual report. The WCB also came in for criticism from the • Red tape Labour Committee on administrative issues, • Hours of work Along with fostering a change in attitude such as the claims process, rate-setting • PST and GST harmonization through the Action Saskatchewan initiative, methods and its inability to measure the the chamber also needed to continue its effectiveness of programs, like early • Review of the K-12 education system focus on legislative and regulatory issues. intervention. The committee noted that an experience rating system would help bring “We are all aware that change will take rates down, reducing the need for annual place,’’ Davis said. “What we need to do is rebates and payout of excess funds back drive the change by recognizing the realities to employers. of our economy and taking proactive steps The new millennium brought new to lead through them.’’ Having successfully lobbied the NDP challenges for the Saskatchewan Chamber government for changes to the personal of Commerce. New (and newly re-elected) Action Saskatchewan Version 2.0 income tax system, the Finance Committee governments and new premiers required highlighted four sectors as key to the set its sights on business taxes, specifically new approaches and new attitudes from province’s future economic growth: value- small business tax, in 2000. “The main the chamber. added agriculture or agri-value, creator of jobs is small business, and our biotechnology, tourism and transportation. small business tax rate is the second-worst In 2000, president T.G. (Casey) Davis, a in Canada,’’ said Norm Halldorson, Finance Saskatoon lawyer, spoke about the need for The chamber’s five committees – Finance, Committee chair. an attitude adjustment in the province, Economic Development, Education, which had come through a long period of Environment and Labour – all played a role 51 Top left: Political Forum, 1978

Centre: Board Members met with new Saskatchewan Liberal Party Leader Ralph Goodale at the 1981 Political Forum.

Top right: Premier Lorne Calvert at Political Forum, 2006

Bottom left: Premier Brad Wall at Political Forum, 2014

Bottom right: Premier Scott Moe at Political Forum, 2018

52 But Finance Minister Eric Cline was clearly The Environment Committee continued its reductions in corporate capital and income listening to the committee’s pre-budget broadside attack on the Kyoto Protocol. tax rates, and Employment Insurance submission, as his spring budget reduced “Kyoto is a seriously flawed approach that premiums. Additional advocacy wins for the the small business tax rate from eight to six is not going to solve our problem with Saskatchewan business community were per cent, effective July 1, 2001, while the climate change,’’ Environment Committee increases to registered pension and income threshold above which the tax rate chair Bob Schutzman said in the 2001 retirement savings plan contribution limits applied was raised from $200,000 to annual report. and the small business deduction limit to $300,000 on Jan. 1, 2002. $300,000. The committee lobbied federal and While pleased with the small business tax provincial officials to refrain from ratifying In 2002, the Finance Committee lobbied for cut, the committee expressed the Kyoto Protocol until they had conducted changes to the property tax assessment disappointment that there was no three- more thorough evaluation and consultation system, more venture capital and foreign year plan to reduce general business taxes, and developed a better scientific investment opportunities, and lobbied similar to the personal income tax cuts understanding of climate change. against the negative impact of the Air announced in the previous year’s budget. Security Charge on Saskatchewan. In 2001, the chamber continued developing The challenges and changes kept coming in “Not coming from Saskatchewan The Investment and Growth Committee its strategic plan to ensure the future vitality 2002, but the chamber was well prepared and not born and raised here, the advised government to remove restrictions of the province through the Action with various Action Saskatchewan activities, negative attitude was probably the on farm land ownership and to reduce red Saskatchewan initiative. The chamber also such as developing a report card to largest challenge I dealt with moving tape and border restrictions that impeded helped develop local action committees to measure the progress achieved in reaching here in the 1980s. The attitude was the free-flowing trade corridor with the U.S. spread the message of Action the initiative’s targets and goals of growing government’s role was to solve Saskatchewan across the province, as well the private sector, the workforce and the people’s problems whereas the The economy, which had been stuck in low as engage the public, stakeholders and population. people’s role is to solve their gear for years, showed more signs of life in business leaders in the Action problems…” 2003. The chamber’s Action Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Leadership Forum. The Another Action Saskatchewan initiative was report card showed that private sector purpose of the forum was to reach some to develop a human resources strategy for growth was generally positive, population “I was just pointing out to people, consensus on growing the province’s the province. In May 2002, the Labour and growth had stabilized and stopped hey, you’re responsible. And that’s private sector, capitalizing on demographics Education Committee launched its human shrinking, and the labour force continued to what Action Saskatchewan was and growing the population in the province. resources plan to better match the grow, especially in the youth, seniors and designed to do was to create workforce with the workplace, to meet the rural segments. awareness that, if you’ve got a While Action Saskatchewan was expanding learning needs of Aboriginal people, ensure problem, you solve it.” its scope, the chamber was amalgamating all students learn workplace skills, and build Chamber president Clay Dowling, the Economic Development and Finance partnerships with business, the education president of Ghost Transportation Services Clay Dowling committees into the Investment and system, and governments. of Saskatoon, told chamber members SCC President, 2003–2004 Growth Committee due to an increasing “now is the time to take action to make this overlap in focus between the two In years past, the Finance Committee had province a better place to live, work committees. successfully lobbied government for and invest.’’

53 the respondents indicated that they did not “Action Saskatchewan is a generational feel that Saskatchewan had a climate for project, with the challenge being to The newly formed Human economic investment. maintain the momentum behind it. It will be Resources Committee far more important to take the Action (formerly the Labour In its pre-budget submission, the Finance Saskatchewan message outside of the Committee) took a strong Committee renewed its call for business tax chamber and get people to buy into it,’’ stand against proposed rate reform, specifically lowering the provincial said Zawada. changes and legislative sales tax (PST) by one or two per cent and amendments for the WCB. removed entirely from capital projects. At a board meeting in October, director “These amendments will Ralph Boychuk of Prince Albert provided have huge implications for The Investment and Growth Committee a brief summary of the most recent Action the province of conducted its own survey of public and Saskatchewan report card, noting that Saskatchewan in terms private stakeholders, which determined that the province’s population had risen for of future growth and our Saskatchewan’s key weaknesses were a the first time in seven years due to image as a ‘business shortage of skilled labour, taxation levels, increased in-migration. friendly’ environment,’’ “A turning point in changing the inability to attract entrepreneurs and said committee chair The long-awaited Business Tax Review, the attitude of Saskatchewan people, excessive red tape. The committee urged Mike Carr. heated battle over available hours of work was when the chamber pushed hard the government to review the corporate tax legislation and the Action Saskatchewan for business and personal income structure and identify ways to achieve parity summit, known as The Gathering in tax reform in Saskatchewan. When with neighbouring jurisdictions in order to Saskatoon in October, were the main issues the NDP government of the day prevent the exodus of successful business on the chamber’s plate in 2005. appointed U of S accounting dean and wealth creators, while at the same time and former senior financial In July, 2003, the Action Saskatchewan developing a strategy to attract investment. steering committee was formed to come up The controversy over the available hours of department official Jack Vicq to with themes or objectives to achieve certain work actually began in the fall of 2004 head a tax review commission, the Action Saskatchewan: A Blueprint for 2005, goals and objectives. These themes when NDP Labour Minister Deb Higgins chamber got behind its the economic development strategy included growing the private sector, dusted off some amendments to the recommendations, which were initiated by the chamber in 1999, was the developing good public management, Labour Standards Act that were passed, implemented for the most part.” main preoccupation of the chamber increasing the wealth of the people, turning but never enacted, by the Romanow Aboriginal demographics from a challenge throughout most of 2004. government in 1994. Ted Hillstead to an opportunity, and changing attitudes. SCC President, 2005-2006 At a board of directors meeting in March, The legislation would require employers to In December, the Finance Committee director Craig Zawada provided the board offer additional hours of work – due to conducted its annual pre-budget survey of with an update on Version 3.0, noting that termination, resignation or temporary chamber members, which indicated the major themes, such as concerns about absence of an employee – to the most dissatisfaction with the levels of provincial economic and population growth, attitude senior, qualified part-time employee. The income tax, provincial sales tax, corporate and resistance to change, were still evident bill would cover workplaces with 50 income tax and property taxes. Over half of in the latest version of Action Saskatchewan. employees or more. 54 But the chamber pointed out the legislation highest, at 117 per cent of the national environments so they can attract and would affect more than two-thirds of the average in 2005, to 53 per cent in 2008, retain young employees. employed workforce and half the part-time within ‘spitting distance’ of Alberta. workers. Moreover, employers would lose Another chamber initiative was designed to their ability to use part-time workers to With the notable exception of sales tax create more Aboriginal-friendly workplaces. cover peak demand periods, if they weren’t harmonization, the Calvert government The chamber hosted two Aboriginal emergencies or unexpected increases eventually implemented most of the Vicq Awareness sessions, which helped in workload. committee’s recommendations. And the employers understand Aboriginal culture chamber could rightly take much of the and expectations and aimed to assist More importantly, employers would be credit, having lobbied for business tax employers in creating welcoming forced to offer additional hours of work to reform for decades. workplaces for members of the Aboriginal the most senior, rather than the most community. qualified workers, including students and As the economy began to pick up speed in Aboriginal part-time workers. The fact that the mid-2000s, another obstacle threatened Meanwhile, the province’s economy and no other jurisdiction in North America had to put the brakes on the province’s nascent population growth were showing signs of economic recovery: the shortage of labour, such legislation was seen as another life after a decade-long slump. The Action “The Board’s objective with the especially skilled workers. disincentive to invest in the province. Saskatchewan report card noted that the growth strategy was to put forward provincial population had now registered a plan that would give a guideline In the 2006 annual report, chamber After a concerted lobbying effort by the two consecutive increases. for the private sector to parallel the president Ralph Boychuk alluded to the business community, including the chamber problem of finding, training and retaining efforts of the public sector and set and the opposition Saskatchewan Party, The report card, compiled by Sask Trends labour in a province that had lost key goals. We knew that the Higgins backed down and pulled the Monitor’s Doug Elliott, attributed the generations of workers to other provinces. population was a critical one. When legislation in February, 2005. population increase to a “surge in the “The labour shortage is putting pressure on we said 1.5 million by 2030, people number of people moving to or returning to every industry in Saskatchewan,’’ said at the time said that will never On the other hand, the Finance Committee the province, rather than a drop in the Boychuk, a senior manager with RBC happen, but now it has. We also said endorsed the report of Business Tax Review number who are leaving.’’ Financial Group in Prince Albert. we need to grow to that 1.5 million committee, which was headed by former target. So what do we need to do to Associate Deputy Minister of Finance, The chamber’s approach to the labour In addition, the report card said that the get to those indicators? Housing, assistant dean of the College of Commerce shortage was simple: make workplaces employment rate was increasing among education, all of those important and retired accounting professor, Jack Vicq. friendlier and more welcoming to youth and younger and older people, those with lower measures as a community were Aboriginal people. levels of education and Aboriginal youth. integrated into the growth strategy. In November, 2005, Vicq recommended the I think it was a brilliant plan.” province reduce corporate income tax (CIT) To that end, the chamber launched the In a pre-budget consultation with Finance rates, eliminate corporate capital taxes Youth Friendly Workplace Designation Minister Andrew Thomson, the Finance Steve McLellan altogether and harmonize the PST with the program (YFWD) in September 2006. The Committee urged him to implement the SCC CEO, 2007–present GST. Under Vicq’s plan, Saskatchewan’s YFWD program aimed to help employers Business Tax Review committee’s business tax burden would fall from second- create more youth-friendly work recommendations to harmonize the PST 55 with the GST and further reduce the PST recommendations, reform labour legislation Current and ministerial aide during the rate, as well as reduce the personal income and implement a growth agenda. Devine years, also promised big changes for tax (PIT) rate. the province’s business community. The following year, the electors would pass As part of a coalition of business, taxpayer judgment on the promises made by each and local government associations, the party during the provincial election in chamber also pressed the government to November 2007. reduce the education portion of property “The change in taxes by lowering the percentage paid by With the new year came a new government government has also property taxpayers from 55 to 40 per cent to replace the 15-year-old NDP opened a lot of new doors over three years. administration, a new CEO for the chamber, and the ‘Voice of Business’ and a new economic development strategy is being heard louder and The Youth, Education and Training to replace Action Saskatchewan. clearer than ever before,” Committee launched the Saskatchewan said Dave Dutchak, Business Mentorship Institute (BMI). “BMI is In the 2007 annual report, chamber president and CEO of MD “I wanted to be part of the chamber designed to provide an opportunity for president Dave Dutchak noted that Action Ambulance Care of because it showed the integration successful businesses to assume a Saskatchewan had come to an end in 2005. Saskatoon. and inclusiveness of First Nations mentorship role that allows them to provide “This coupled with the huge momentum businesses and business leaders into advice and guidance to emergent swing in our province in 2006 meant a new the provincial business community. businesses with related issues and plan was needed: one that built on the It really showed that when we’re on concerns,’’ said the YET Committee’s report. foundation of Action Saskatchewan but took us further.’’ the same playing field, we’re equal Also new to the chamber was CEO Steve The Environment Committee redoubled its in a lot of ways. There’s still a lot of McLellan, who spent 18 years with Tourism efforts to reduce federal-provincial As a result, the chamber launched its work to be done. For Aboriginal Regina and Tourism Saskatchewan and 11 duplication and overlap of regulations and Sustainable Growth Strategy in 2007. The businesses, there is still a lot of years in the hospitality industry, mainly as a resolve interjurisdictional issues. The Growth Strategy was designed to help the support needed. But, at the end of restaurant owner and manager. committee would like to see the province overcome challenges and barriers the day, it showed that we’re at the McLellan replaced the retiring Mary Ann implementation of a single-window to sustained economic growth. A number of table and we’re discussing matters McFadyen, who oversaw the chamber’s regulatory system for environmental issues. targets were set for various indicators, that need to be discussed.” evolution from a regional office of the including population, demographics, labour Canadian Chamber of Commerce to an Richard Ahenakew At the chamber’s Political Forum in October, force and GDP growth. In this Sustainable independent, strong and respected voice for SCC President, 2010–2011 Premier Lorne Calvert promised to reform Growth Strategy, it projected that by 2030 the property tax system, boost support for the province would need to have a business in the province. the uranium industry and increase population of 1.5 million. investment in the North, while the In McLellan’s view, 2007 marked the Saskatchewan Party leader Brad Wall The new Saskatchewan Party government “coming of age’’ for Saskatchewan, with the unveiled a “180-day plan’’ to fully led by Premier Brad Wall, a former election of a new pro-business government, implement the Business Tax Review economic development officer in Swift an economic resurgence and a newfound 56 confidence in the province’s business not have the workplace skills, knowledge At a board of directors meeting in May, community. and abilities employers expect. outgoing chamber chair Dave Dutchak reported that he had met with Premier Brad But with economic growth came challenges, The Human Resources Committee Wall and they agreed the chamber and the namely a shortage of skilled labour and the applauded the new Saskatchewan Party government “needed to work together to suddenly booming housing market. The government for passing Bill 6, which grow Saskatchewan and work on bettering plan to increase the population by roughly amended the Trade Union Act to require some areas like education and health.’’ 50 per cent in less than 25 years would put secret ballot votes for union certification pressure on other systems, such as and decertification and allow employers to In his first-year report in September, CEO education and training institutions, housing communicate directly with employees Steve McLellan noted the confluence of and public infrastructure and the chamber during organizing drives. positive indicators, including strong put its efforts behind advocating that action economic and population growth, low be taken to address areas that would be of Bill 6 also contained provisions to determine unemployment and high labour force concern in the future. essential services for public sector participation rates. employees, which the committee Property tax reform was at the top of the considered necessary legislation to ensure “While the past year has been one of “It had a lot to do with the Brad agenda for the Finance Committee, noting the orderly delivery of services in the event significant growth for most sectors in the Wall’s government that sort of put that 72 per cent of chamber members rated of a work disruption. The changes to the province and while I cannot take any credit Saskatchewan on the map, so to it their highest priority. The committee took Trade Union Act were upheld, but the for that growth, I truly believe that the speak. People were optimistic. There issue with the existing tax rebate system, essential services legislation was ruled Saskatchewan Chamber can,’’ McLellan was a feeling of pride of being in which was conveyed to MLA Jim Reiter, who unconstitutional by the Supreme Court said, citing the chamber’s Action Saskatchewan. Successful people was conducting a review of the property tax of Canada in 2015 and had to be Saskatchewan, the Sustainable Growth used to have to hide their success in system. substantially rewritten. strategy and advocacy work to lower taxes, Saskatchewan. I think that’s reduce red tape and encourage changed.” In a pre-budget meeting with Finance If 2007 was the year the economy started entrepreneurship. Minister Rod Gantefoer in January 2008, the gathering speed, 2008 was the year the Patricia Warsaba SCC Chair, 2017–2018 Finance Committee urged the new economy took off, fuelled by higher prices In December of 2008, Dutchak outlined his government to implement the second for most of Saskatchewan’s commodity plan for the Growth Strategy Task Force, phase of the Business Tax Review exports. which included holding forums on three Committee’s recommendations, namely the main topics: housing, workforce and health. harmonization of the PST with the GST. CEO Steve McLellan told the directors that The chamber also planned to hold a Growth he had met with Enterprise and Innovation Summit in fall of 2009 or spring of 2010. The Youth, Education and Training Minister Lyle Stewart and Enterprise Committee called for a full review of the Saskatchewan CEO Dale Botting about the As it turned out, 2008 would be the last year province’s K-12 education system, based on chamber’s Growth Strategy Task Force and of significant growth for the provincial orci a scelerisque purus. Arcu vitae elementum a survey showing that nearly 80 per cent of reported great support to move forward economy in the decade, as the global curabitur vitae nunc sed velit dignissim. Ultricies chamber members believed students did with the task force. financial crisis in late 2008 would trigger a mi quis hendrerit dolor magna eget. Dignis 57 collapse of commodity prices and recession Force’s community growth “toolkit” and downplayed the distinction of being the first in 2009. submissions to the Provincial Panel on Indigenous person in Canada to lead a Student Achievement that advocated a new provincial chamber of commerce. Indeed, the provincial economy took a model for education in the province. “It’s not that Aboriginal people haven’t sharp nose dive in 2009, posting gross been involved in business. There have been domestic product (GDP) of $55.6 billion, McLellan also noted that the chamber’s many successful First Nations entrepreneurs compared with $65.4 billion in 2008, a Environment Committee was instrumental and Métis entrepreneurs,’’ Ahenakew told decline of nearly 15 per cent, according to in helping develop a new model for The Regina Leader-Post following his Statistics Canada. environment regulatory practices, while election at the annual meeting in Prince the Human Resources Committee’s work to Albert in May. But 2009 chamber chair Holly Hetherington, level the labour relations environment and observed that the provincial economy and remove working age restrictions were “big the government’s finances seemed to be wins for business.’’ weathering the storm that was swamping the global economy. The Youth, Education and Training (YET) With the election of Committee successfully lobbied the Richard Ahenakew as “The Saskatchewan Chamber is a In her Chair’s report, Hetherington reflected government to commit to improve the chair in 2010, the chamber very important organization now on the “whirlwind that started with a global and has been, over the decades. recession and ended with the province province’s low student achievement record marked another milestone In good economic times or bad, and tabling the only balanced budget in the and the Finance Committee saw the fruits in its 90-year history: the in times when our elected leaders at country, and industry signalling billions of of its lobbying efforts reflected in the March first Indigenous leader of all levels are focused on ideology dollars of major capital projects in the 2010 budget, which saw a reduction in the a provincial chamber in and public policy, the Chamber pipeline.’’ size of government. Canada. provides a consistent and relevant voice for business. We have a In his CEO report, McLellan agreed that Dave Dutchak, chair of the Growth Strategy mandate to make Saskatchewan a 2009 “was a good year for Saskatchewan Task Force, reported two major better place to live, work and invest business and great year for the achievements in 2009: the release of the and as such we add common sense Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. community growth “toolkits’’ to 80 “The role (of Aboriginal people) can have an to environmental scanning that The world economic challenges were felt communities and a significant improvement impeding or accelerating impact on how informs public policy. Our century by many businesses but in most cases in terms of population growth. In October the province does. We need everyone old longevity marks our success in were a slowdown, versus a major reversal, 2009, Saskatchewan’s population hit pulling together, succeeding and moving delivering a valued perspective to of fortunes.’’ 1,034,974, a record high and just 9,700 forward,’’ Richard Ahenakew. decision makers across this people short of the growth strategy’s target province.” Certainly, the 2009-10 year was a busy one for 2009. On the positive side, the province led the for the chamber, which saw the tabling of nation in employment income growth at 60 Valerie Sluth “Right People, Right Place, Right Time: Ahenakew, general manager of the per cent from 2000 to 2010, while being the SCC Chair, 2019–2020 Saskatchewan’s Labour Market Strategy,’’ Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert and only province to maintain a budget surplus the release of the Growth Strategy Task a member of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, during the recession. 58 The chamber’s tax reform project, A Change education curriculum, which had been a ahead for the chamber under the Today for Your Tomorrow, developed in long-standing policy of the chamber. leadership of 2012 chair Fred Titanich, partnership with the Canada West president and CEO of CAA Saskatchewan. Foundation and four other business and During 2011, the chamber undertook the professional associations, would establish a On Track Saskatchewan campaign, a Titanich noted that several chamber strong foundation for the province’s future $250,000 advertising campaign to recommendations were incorporated into growth. The comprehensive review of counteract the negative, anti-business, anti- the new Employment Act and labour growth campaign of the labour groups. legislation changes, while the general Saskatchewan’s tax environment called for However, the chamber’s proposed tax corporation tax rate had been reduced in reductions in education and municipal reform was encountering some resistance the spring budget from 12 per cent to 10 property taxes, personal income tax, from the newly re-elected Saskatchewan per cent, more or less in line with the corporation income and capital taxes and, Party government. chamber’s tax reform plan. once again, sales tax harmonization. “The strategic push towards tax reform In his CEO’s report, McLellan pointed out The Youth, Education and Training (YET) based on the tax plan partnership Saskatchewan was leading the nation in Committee looked at the primary and continues, … but progress is slow, with no almost every economic indicator in 2012. secondary education system and developed visible master plan by the province,’’ He said the chamber’s Growth Strategy in a discussion paper called Student First, McLellan said in his CEO’s report. 2007 set out a series of indicators the which highlighted some of the opportunities province had to meet to ensure its Steve McLellan, SCC CEO, 2019 Saskatchewan would miss if the K-12 Of the seven recommendations from the economic growth was sustainable, system did not operate more effectively. Tax Plan, only one – reducing the education specifically growing to 1.5 million portion of property taxes for residential and population by 2030, an annual increase of With 2011 being an election year, both non-residential taxpayers – had been 1.75 per cent. federally and provincially, the chamber had implemented to date. to work extra hard to get the attention of By 2012 the province was exceeding that The Environment Committee continued its government and opposition parties percentage growth rate and as a result, work toward implementation of the new preoccupied with their respective there were more people living here than at environmental management model and any time in history. campaigns. code for Saskatchewan. But the committee raised concerns about a proposed “super The chamber’s ambitious tax reform plan, Nevertheless, chamber chair Pat Friesen agency’’ for water management, arguing launched in 2010, was moving forward, but reported the chamber had a number of the functions of water supply, water and there was work to be done on getting it successes in the area of advocacy, wastewater treatment, irrigation and implemented. An update on the tax reform particularly in the area of youth financial drainage should be separate from the plan acknowledged that only two out of literacy and entrepreneurship. Friesen, a regulatory functions, which should remain seven major recommendations had been senior executive with Innovation Credit with the Ministry of Environment. implemented, either in whole or part. Union in Swift Current, said the chamber lobbied the government to create a youth While 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of The education portion of property taxes had financial literacy program for the K-12 the sinking of the Titanic, it was full steam been reduced significantly, but the promise Immigration Forum, 2018 59 Left: Deputy Ministers at the 2018 of property tax reform – capping taxation of making Aboriginal education and skills CEO McLellan remarked in the 2013 Chair’s Invitational Dinner non-residential properties at 1.43 of training a priority, while the Finance annual report. residential properties – was not yet fulfilled. Committee promoted the concept of a Right: SCC chair Randy Beattie at the Specifically, forward movement on the 2015 Chair’s Invitational Dinner heritage fund for the province. Similarly, the general corporation tax rate Environmental Code and the Employment had been lowered from 13 to 10 per cent The committee, which met with Finance Code were big wins for the chamber. With (versus nine per cent under the tax reform Minister Ken Krawetz in December, praised nearly 60 current policies on the books and plan) and small business tax from 4.5 to 2 the 2013-14 budget for its balanced budget a solid advocacy program, the chamber helped inform government, and promoted per cent (versus three per cent under the and lower expenditure growth. But, with its work for business. tax plan). respect to the tax reform plan, the committee acknowledged a challenging If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, The Investment and Growth Committee budget meant delays in implementing the the chamber should have been very created the Northern Business Task Force to recommendations, though welcoming the flattered by the 2013 launch of the encourage development of the North and improvements in the property tax. provincial government’s Saskatchewan Plan enhance quality of life for northern for Growth – Vision 2020 and Beyond. residents. The task force would meet in “The year 2013 will be remembered in As chamber chair Marion Ghiglione pointed 2013-14 to develop a plan for infrastructure Saskatchewan for many things but most out in the 2013 annual report, the and economic development. likely… the Riders’ home field Grey Cup win province’s growth plan “paralleled our and the bumper crop. The Saskatchewan Sustainable Growth Strategy. The Voice of The Human Resources Committee Chamber of Commerce may not have won Saskatchewan business – the developed five policies for the chamber’s a Grey Cup, but we won a lot of games, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce – AGM in 2013, including the importance of and had a bumper crop of policy wins,’’ had been heard.’’ 60 Aside from P3s, the Investment and Growth As for the 2014-15 budget, the committee played in the province since its inception Committee talked a lot about productivity, was pleased with the balanced budget, use 95 years ago. including productivity seminars to of summary financial statements (which encourage and assist the business included all government spending and “Despite the fact that we had a federal community and the government to adopt revenues, including Crowns) and lower election and a provincial election, the productivity measures. expenditure growth. But the committee chamber has remained focused on the long noted the province delayed promised term for our members and the province, The Human Resources Committee corporate income tax changes. while being active in both elections,’’ 2015 conducted a survey of members and chair Randy Beattie, President of PFM found that an overwhelming number The year 2014 was another busy one for Capital Inc., said in the annual report. were concerned about a shortage of the chamber, which hosted three policy skilled and unskilled workers and issues events, released several studies and reports, Beattie said the chamber’s new policy around immigration, specifically hiring and developed numerous policy positions development process seemed to pay immigrant workers. and recommendations at four policy round dividends in its first year, which was tables. especially important in a year when two Immigration Forum, 2008 The Youth, Education and Training (YET) elections occurred. Committee was reinstated after a brief The HR Committee celebrated a significant hiatus to focus on youth entrepreneurship, The Youth, Education and Training win, with the distribution of $79 million in including the Aboriginal Youth Educational Committee saw great success in the area of rebates to employers in 2015 by the Project, a program to encourage and train financial literacy, including hosting a forum Workers’ Compensation Board following young Aboriginal entrepreneurs. in November, 2015 for Financial Literacy years of lobbying by the provincial Month featuring a presentation by Jane chamber. The YET committee also met with Ministry Rooney, the federal government’s financial of Education, Saskatchewan Teachers literacy leader. Federation and Saskatchewan School The chamber also commended the province for the adoption of the Boards Association officials regarding the The forum led to the formation of the Environmental Code for Saskatchewan, chamber’s Student First initiative, which was Saskatchewan Financial Literacy Network, designed to “unify and reorient the largely due to the persistent lobbying efforts which was developing a website to serve as education system around what matters of the Environment Committee over the a “one-stop portal’’ for anyone seeking most – the student.’’ previous 10 years. information on financial literacy.

The Finance Committee gave its support to Going to the polls seemed to be a recurring With the election of a federal Liberal the Saskatchewan Futures Fund plan theme in 2015-16, as the chamber dealt majority government in 2015, the chamber proposed by former U of S president Peter with two elections in less than six months: a was faced with the possibility of a carbon MacKinnon, which called for government to federal election in October 2015 and a tax being imposed on Saskatchewan. set aside any excess or ‘windfall’ resource provincial election in April 2016. revenues for debt repayment or the Nevertheless, the chamber kept its sights on In fact, 2016 chamber chair Shawna heritage fund or both. the advocacy role the organization has Nelson, director of sales and marketing for 61 The Indigenous Engagement Charter launch the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel in Saskatoon, mechanism to achieve such reductions,” options for the province to successfully and signing ceremony was held in 2020 at the called the carbon tax “the new dirty word!’’ the Environment Committee said in its adapt to any enforced tax. First Nations University in Regina. report. “Yes, we are against the imposition of The carbon tax wasn’t the only public policy carbon tax,’’ Nelson said in the chair’s Instead, the committee established the challenge the chamber tackled in 2016. report. But she added, “it’s our Energy Efficiency Taskforce to advance the In response to provincial Finance Minister responsibility and obligation to our implementation of energy efficiency Kevin Doherty’s call for “transformative” membership to know the full course of measures as the first step toward reducing change in how the government does actions available if one is put in place.’’ emissions through energy conservation. business, serves the public and earns Accordingly, two of the chamber’s five revenues, the chamber and five other expert committees were engaged in carbon In addition, the Finance Committee focused business groups established TransformSK. tax projects in 2016. on the impact, repercussions, and potential opportunities, arising from the Co-chaired by CEO McLellan and Following a survey of chamber members implementation of a carbon tax as Saskatchewan Construction Association conducted in November 2016, the negative prescribed by the federal government. president Mark Cooper, TransformSK held response to carbon pricing came through 60 sessions in 14 communities and received loud and clear. While the carbon tax would only be hundreds of submissions. The resulting imposed if the province failed to produce a report contained 45 ‘Calls to Action’ that “While the vast majority of respondents plan that helped achieve the federal could lead to transformative change in the concluded that reducing carbon emissions government’s climate change goals, the way government operates. was important, almost three quarters committee felt it needed to be armed with opposed the use of carbon pricing… as the knowledge and information to develop 62 While 2015 and 2016 were both election was a tumultuous time with the The chamber also backed the provincial years, 2017 also saw significant changes in announcement by the federal government government’s Prairie Resilience climate the political landscape in Saskatchewan, as of proposed tax changes.’’ Warsaba was change strategy, released in December both government and opposition parties referring to proposals by federal Finance 2017, which would employ “offsets, changed leaders. Minister Bill Morneau to change tax performance credits and emissions-intensity planning strategies of Canadian Controlled targets” aimed at large emitters, without Premier Brad Wall surprised the province Private Corporations (CCPCs). resorting to a carbon tax. by announcing his intention to resign as Saskatchewan Party leader and “retire The chamber mounted a major lobbying The chamber also achieved another big win from politics” after 10 years as Premier in campaign to show that “the business with the announcement in March 2018 by August 2017. Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA community strongly opposed the proposed Education Minister Gordon Wyant that Scott Moe won the leadership contest in tax changes,’’ including circulating an financial literacy will be introduced into the January 2018 and was sworn in as Premier online petition that collected responses province’s K-12 curriculum during the 2018- on February 2, 2018. from more than 600 businesses employing 19 school year. The announcement capped over 15,000 people. decades of lobbying efforts and The NDP was also in the process of collaboration with educators to develop a choosing a leader to replace Cam Broten, “The changes would have negatively financial literacy program for elementary who resigned after losing his seat in the impacted tens of thousands of businesses,’’ and secondary school students. 2016 election. In March 2018, the NDP Warsaba said. “It was amazing to see the chose Saskatoon doctor and three-time chamber network across Canada speak as Finally, the chamber saw some more leadership candidate Ryan Meili as leader. one voice, a voice that ultimately the federal positive results from its Northern Business government could not ignore.’’ Task Force report from 2014, which In his CEO’s message in the 2017 annual proposed 12 recommendations to report, McLellan alluded to all the changes Warsaba also had accolades for accelerate northern economic and social taking place at the provincial and federal Saskatchewan’s departing Premier, noting development. level. that Wall “accomplished much during his tenure, but one of the most important Based on three fact-finding visits to the “This last year was one for the history achievements was the change in attitude north over three years, the task force report books,’’ McLellan said. “We fought federal he was able to instill in all of us. People are focused on increased energy efficiency; tax changes, experienced the change in now positive about Saskatchewan and its improved infrastructure, including all- leadership of both the government and role in the country and the world.’’ weather roads; increased food subsidies, A Blueprint for Saskatchewan Business opposition parties and kept up the pressure and high-speed internet for northern Competitiveness report and media conference with regards to getting Saskatchewan On the climate change front, the chamber communities. businesses a fair deal on carbon emissions released its Energy Efficiency Strategy in regulations. And that’s just some of it!’’ November 2017. The two main objectives of In 2017, the federal government announced the recommendations were to reduce support in principle for the Wollaston Lake Regina lawyer and 2017 chair Patricia carbon emissions, and also increase road, significantly increased food subsidies Warsaba agreed that the “summer of 2017 Saskatchewan industrial competitiveness. under the Nutrition North Canada program, 63 and financial support for high-speed aimed to overhaul the country’s regulatory responded by developing a regulatory increasing trade and market diversification, internet. SaskTel also chipped in with process for major projects, and made a framework that would provide a level removing interprovincial trade barriers and improved high-speed internet service to 26 number of recommendations to remedy the playing field for all market participants, providing more skills training and STEM- northern communities. bill’s many shortcomings. In January 2019, while giving consumers greater choice. based learning in the K-12 curriculum. the SCC also provided additional comment The challenges facing Saskatchewan’s to Senate hearings on Bill C-69. The SCC made a number of Perhaps the ultimate compliment paid to business community seemed to be recommendations, including regulating Beyond 2020 was that some of its mounting at an ever-increasing rate. While firmly opposed to the imposition of safety standards, while phasing out barriers recommendations were adopted in the the federal carbon pricing, the chamber to entry and price controls, several of which province’s own growth plan in November, In 2018 and 2019, carbon pricing and worked with industry stakeholders to were included in the government’s Vehicles- Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: the Next federal climate change policy, a sluggish promote the development of more for-Hire Act. Decade of Growth 2020-2030. The growth renewable energy sources and energy economy and rising competition from the plan establishes 30 goals, such as reaching efficiency to reduce the province’s carbon ‘gig’ economy, meant that business owners The icing on the cake for the chamber came 1.4 million in population, creating 100,000 footprint. faced a multitude of challenges. in 2018 after it was nominated as a finalist new jobs, increasing exports by 50 per cent for the Chamber of the Year Award by the and value-added agriculture sales to $10 The resulting internal report, The Renewable But, as chamber CEO McLellan remarked in Association of Chamber of Commerce billion by 2030. Energy Sector in Saskatchewan, provided the SCC’s 2018-19 annual report, challenges Executives (ACCE) for the third year in a row. an overview of the renewable energy sector can also give rise to opportunities. “There The award is presented to a state or and identified barriers and business have always been challenges in provincial chamber in North America that opportunities in the sector. The report will Saskatchewan, but there have always been achieves advocacy excellence for its help guide the chamber’s advocacy efforts more opportunities and as your provincial members, and the Saskatchewan Chamber and public policy recommendations as the chamber, we will work with you to make finished second only to the Hawaii Chamber province transitions to a low-carbon sure we tackle those challenges together.” of Commerce in the state/province economy. category. For example, SCC and Canadian Chamber Indigenous engagement is another “This is a great achievement for us and we of Commerce officials attended a “Day on chamber initiative that seeks to take the are proud to represent Saskatchewan and the Hill’ advocacy effort in Ottawa in May challenges facing Indigenous people in Canada,’’ said SCC CEO McLellan. 2018, in support of the Trans Mountain Saskatchewan and turn them into Pipeline project. This “day of support” opportunities. The Indigenous Engagement In September 2019, the chamber released included meetings with Finance Minister Bill Charter is designed to serve as a roadmap another study, Beyond 2020: A Blueprint for Morneau, Minister of Natural Resources Jim to provide businesses with tools to achieve Carr, Leader of the Opposition Andrew engagement with Indigenous employees Saskatchewan Competitiveness, which Scheer, the Independent Senators Group and partners and assist the business included 24 recommendations in six key and the Steel Caucus. community in working toward areas to assist government in improving the reconciliation. province’s competitiveness. In April 2018, the SCC provided comments to the House Committee on the With the rise in the gig economy, specifically The recommendations include ensuring that Environment regarding Bill C-69, which ride sharing companies, the chamber Saskatchewan goods get to market, 64

What does the past 100 years tell us about productive co-existence. Infrastructure to be earned. The chamber continued to the future of the Saskatchewan Chamber of projects, like rural electrification, highway push for fiscally responsible, if not politically Commerce? construction and the South Saskatchewan popular, policies, such as sales tax River Dam, were ones the Douglas harmonization and establishing a heritage The first president of the chamber, Maj. F.J. government and the chamber could work fund for non-renewable resource revenues. James, had some sage advice for future on together, despite their differences. chamber members when he spoke at the Arguably, the chamber was most effective first annual meeting of the Saskatchewan Thanks to the chamber’s tireless advocacy when it remained an advocate for policies Associated Boards of Trade (the chamber’s work, major reforms to corporation and that transcended politics and business and predecessor organization) on March 8, personal income tax systems, as well as aimed at improving the economy and 1921, in Saskatoon. reductions in business and property taxes, society as a whole. As an early proponent were achieved during the nearly half- for programs to help Indigenous people get “As a business organization, we must century of CCF-NDP governance in education and training, find a job and start maintain a level head, and when we make Saskatchewan. a business, the chamber was acting not statements we must be prepared to back only in the interest of its members, but that them up with irrefutable evidence… We Not surprisingly, the chamber had greater of the larger community. must tread carefully, and by so doing, our lobbying success under more business- demands, when made upon governments friendly governments, like the Thatcher Today, the chamber continues to be a voice and corporations, will be treated with Liberals from 1964 to 1971, the Devine for moderation, compromise, reason and respect and granted careful consideration.” Progressive Conservatives from 1982 to pragmatism in its policy-making role. 1991, or the Saskatchewan Party While not an official statement of principles, government from 2007 to the present. It will play the role of honest broker, James’s words provided some practical constructive critic, trustworthy adviser and, advice to chamber members as they But even these pro-business governments yes, at times, shameless booster and worked to change and shape government needed to be reined in sometimes, when cheerleader for the province of policy over the years. deficits and debts got too large and Saskatchewan, its economy and its people. business principles, like not spending more When faced with a government that than you make, seemed to be forgotten in According to Valerie Sluth, the chamber’s seemed indifferent, if not hostile, to the rush to buy votes and win elections. The 2020 chair, that’s exactly the direction the business, the chamber found ways to work chamber was always there to remind them Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce will with the CCF to achieve a peaceful and its support was not unconditional and had be going in during the years ahead. 67 Sluth, founder and CEO of Praxis Consulting face of the labour force,” Sluth said. “We After thoroughly analyzing the province’s Ltd. of Regina, says the chamber needs to know that the workforce is going to have competitiveness issues, the chamber issued remain the province’s “objective, trusted increasingly more women in leadership. a report chock full of recommendations, voice” that occupies the middle of the road, Similarly, the chamber has promoted a including a major review of the tax system, especially at a time of increasing political greater role for Indigenous people in the reform of sales taxes and resource royalties, polarization. economy and championed leaders, like regulatory streamlining, increased support Richard Ahenakew, who became the first for R&D and workforce training and That means taking positions that aren’t Indigenous leader of a chamber of development, among others. always typically business positions, such as commerce in Canada in 2010. running the occasional deficit, rather than In other words, the chamber did what it balancing the budget every year. “We need In addition, the chamber is promoting the always does. It took a ‘big picture’ look at to be strategic, not political,” Sluth added. Indigenous Engagement Charter initiative, an issue, consulted its members, did its homework, crunched the numbers and That means sometimes proposing politically which requires participating business to came up with real-world, workable unpopular ideas and opposing popular commit to changing attitudes and solutions. ones. For example, sales tax harmonization perceptions in their workplace over a three- year period, with the view to making their is an idea that the chamber has been Unlike some business or taxpayer groups workplaces more accepting and welcoming advocating for years, not because it’s that fire off a press release at the drop of a of Indigenous employees and businesses. popular, but because it’s good fiscal policy. hat, the chamber takes the time to study issues thoroughly, talk to its members, then In other words, unlike some business or Attracting, retaining and integrating new formulate policy. It’s not always the quickest taxpayer groups that always favour tax cuts Canadians into the workforce is another off the mark, but it responds in an informed, and balanced budgets, less government challenge the chamber has embraced. reasoned and pragmatic way. Just the way spending and less government regulation, Maj. F.J. James, the first president of the the chamber takes a more balanced Finally, the province, which has relied on chamber, would have done. And, one approach. resource extraction and commodity hundred years after its formation, James th production to prosper in the 20 Century, would have been proud of the successes The chamber is concerned with the well- needs to adapt to the demands and the chamber has achieved. No doubt, he being, not just of individual businesses or realities of the 21st Century economy. will be just as proud of what the chamber even the business community, but the entire The chamber sees an economic revolution will do over the next hundred years. province. Such an organization transcends happening globally and believes that politics and so-called pro-business policies. Saskatchewan can be a global leader in the economy of the 21st Century by thinking Since the election of its first female chair 30 creatively. years ago, the chamber has also taken a leadership role in promoting women in the Some of that creative thinking can be found business world and the labour force in the chamber’s 2019 report, Beyond 2020: generally. “I think the chamber is doing a A Blueprint for Saskatchewan Business very good job of recognizing the changing Competitiveness. 68 69

1984: Develcon 1993: Brandt Industries Ltd. 2003: Bioriginal Food & Science 2012: Alliance Grain Traders Corporation 1985: North Canada Air Ltd. 1994: Thomson Meats Ltd. 2013: Diamonds of Detroit AND (Norcanair) 2004: Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc. Alliance Energy 1995: Cameco Corporation 1986: Intercontinental Packers 2005: VCom Inc. 2014: Yorkton Plumbing & Heating 1996: Software 2000 Inc. 1987: Humboldt Flour Mills 2006: Eagle Drilling Service 2015: Minard’s Leisure World 1997: WaveCom Electronics Inc. 1988: Weyerhauser Canada 2007: Partners In Motion 2016: Hillberg & Berk Ltd., Saskatchewan Division 1998: Cover-All Business Systems 2008: The Mosaic Company 2017: CAA Saskatchewan 1989: Doepker Industries Ltd. 1999: Superior Millwork Ltd. 2009: North Ridge Development 2018: Industrial Machine and 1990: N. Yanke Transfer Ltd. 2000: Weyerhauser Saskatchewan Corporation Manufacturing Inc. Ltd. 1991: Great Western Brewing 2010: Jay’s Moving and 2019: JNE Welding Ltd. Company Ltd. 2001: Doepker Industries Ltd. Storage Ltd.

1992: Spar Group Ltd. 2002: Nexans Canada Inc. 2011: Magna Electric

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1990: Saskatchewan Wheat Pool 1998: Kramer Ltd. 2008: Doepker Industries Ltd. 2018: Meridian Surveys Inc.

1990: McCallum-Hill Limited 1999: Early’s Farm & Garden Centre Ltd. 2009: Rawlco Radio 2019: O & T Farms Ltd.

1990: Flexi-Coil Ltd. 2000: El-Rancho Food Services Ltd. 2010: Miners Construction Co. Ltd.

1991: Federated Co-operatives Limited 2001: Bourgault Industries Ltd. 2011: Weyburn Inland Terminal Ltd.

1992: Athabaska Airways Ltd. 2002: IMC Canada 2012: PotashCorp

1993: Intercontinental Packers Limited 2003: Cameco Corporation 2013: Anderson Pump House Ltd.

1994: Morris Industries Inc. 2004: PIC Investment Group Inc. 2014: M. D. Ambulance Care Ltd. 1995: The Concorde Group of 2005: Brandt Group of Companies Companies 2015: Graham 2006: PCL Construction 1996: IPSCO Inc. Management Inc. 2016: Prairie Mud Service

1997: Nelson Lumber Company Ltd. 2007: Yanke Group of Companies 2017: AREVA Resources Canada

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congratulations on

YEARS The Brandt story has always had Saskatchewan at its heart.

For almost nine decades, we have proudly called this province home and we have worked hard to write a made-in-Saskatchewan success story, improving the quality of life for our employees, our customers, and the communities in which we operate. In that time, we have seen rsthand the powerful impact that a healthy business environment can make in our province, from helping companies to create high-value jobs to nding new and innovative solutions that revolutionize entire industries. The Chamber of Commerce has always been a strong champion for businesses here in Saskatchewan—their support has helped us all to thrive. At Brandt, we congratulate the Chamber on 100 years of service to our province and look forward to working with them for the next 100 as we continue to serve our worldwide customer base from our home here in the heart of Canada!

brandt.ca

CREDITS

Copyright date: 2020

Cover & Book Design: Bradbury Brand + Design Experts

Author: Bruce Johnstone

All rights reserved. The text of this publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.

Printed by: Western Litho Printers Ltd., Regina SK, Canada

ISBN # 978-1-7771002-0-9

Contact information www.saskchamber.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bruce Johnstone is a Regina native and graduate During that time, he won awards for his writing of Sheldon-William Collegiate, who received his from the Canadian Institute of Mining and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English from Metallurgy (CIM), Canadian Association of the University of Saskatchewan in 1975. After Financial Planners and the Saskatchewan working briefly with the provincial government as Reporters' Association. He also received the an information officer, he joined the Leader-Post Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Lifetime in 1977 as the L-P's bureau reporter in Estevan. Achievement Award in 2017. On Dec. 2, 2016, He moved to Regina in 1979 and worked as a Johnstone retired from the Leader-Post one general assignment reporter, labour reporter and month short of his 40th anniversary with the feature writer before joining the business newspaper. In 2017, he formed a consulting firm, department in 1983. He took over as financial Bruce Johnstone Communications, which offers editor in 1985. For the next 30 years, Johnstone freelance journalism, writing, editing and oversaw business coverage for the Leader-Post. photography services.

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