liberaltimes Liberal Association website: www.saskliberal.ca

Saskatchewan Liberals connect with Canadians Long days filled with baseball practice, or reading outside, or eating Saskatchewan beef on the summer BBQ circuit are quickly coming to a close. Many Liberals took part in Centennial Homecomings, family reunions, and weddings throughout the heat of July and August. Those events let us get together, and build new friendships and renew old acquaintances. It was good to connect with family and friends. Continued on page 3 Provincial Leader Saskatchewan a “have” province An excerpt from “Getting the Job Done…For Saskatchewan” “As Saskatchewan’s Minister in the Government of Canada (and especially now as the first federal Finance Minister from Saskatchewan since 1939), I always want to secure productive federal investments in and for this province – to promote economic growth and opportunity…

So we need to concentrate on how to make more things go right for Saskatchewan in the first place – economic growth, investment, new business development, greater productivity, competitiveness, innovation and new jobs.

These are the things that can propel us beyond some inadequate status quo, to a Prime Minister and Deputy PM Anne new kind of future – not boxed in by history or geography, distance or climate, politics McClellan congratulate Finance minister Ralph or pessimism. Goodale on his most recent budget.

Continued on Page 3 In this issue:

New Deal for Cities 4 Saskatchewan municipalities will benefit from more than $147 million, over five years, in federal gas tax funding to be used for municipal infrastructure projects.

Convention 2005 5 The annual SLA convention is coming up in November. Check inside for registration information.

Fall 2005 liberaltimes Exciting times ahead, says SLA president Mark November 4th to 6th down on your calendar The NDP continues to show the lack of leadership as this will be the Annual Saskatchewan Liberal that has characterized this government since the depar- Association convention. This is our first convention since ture of Romanow. They react to media stories, and February 2004, and comes at a very exciting time for notwithstanding the highest revenues ever recorded by a Saskatchewan Liberals. Government in Saskatchewan, nothing gets better. Roads continue to deteriorate, medical waiting lists are We will almost certainly have a Federal election just as long, and promised property tax reliefs are appar- sometime within the next six to nine months. Polls are ently held in abeyance to bribe us in the next election. indicating we have regained a strong leadership position Frank Proto, nationally. The strength of Liberal support in SLA President Liberals will clearly be a BIG factor in the next elec- Saskatchewan and is at one of the highest lev- tion. This convention will focus on policy and ideas. We els in many years. If we work hard, Saskatchewan can elect four or five want your input on types of issues you believe our Liberal Party should additional Liberal Members of Parliament to help our Honourable be setting as priorities in upcoming election campaigns. We need your in Ottawa. We have nominated candidates in most input to help us develop a strong platform to promote principles of Federal ridings.The convention will provide everyone an opportunity to Liberalism across Saskatchewan. meet our very strong team. We will also be asking for approval of a new Party Constitution at In Saskatchewan, people continue to express the view they want this convention. Recent changes in legislation necessitates political to see David Karwacki, our very capable Leader, and more Liberals in parties become more “member driven” and certain aspects of our cur- Legislature. Recent polls show the is “stuck” at a rent Constitution require our attention. level of support similar to that obtained in the past two elections. A new leader and policy statements have the Saskatchewan Party Hope to see everyone at our convention in this bouncing from left to right on many issues. This confuses voters and November! builds on the mistrust voters displayed toward the Saskatchewan Party in the past. Federal ministers meet with Ag leaders The beauty of the Qu’appelle Valley in the heart of Canadian agri- Godfrey (municipal infrastructure programs), and John McCallum (rev- culture was a great setting for Saskatchewan farm leaders to meet with enue). Liberals from across Canada to talk about agriculture issues. The farm groups were represented by a cross-section of producers The roundtable was part of Finance Minister Goodale’s ongoing and rural leaders, including Brian Ross, SK Stock Growers; Neil Hardy of efforts to keep his ear to the ground on what’s happening at the farm SARM; Sinc Harrison, Farmer Rail Car Coalition; Terry Hildebrand of gate. Following the lively discussions chaired by Dr. Red Williams, there APAS; Emile Marquette of the Dairy Farmers; Garth Patterson of Sask. was a large, town-hall style reception at the Lumsden communiplex, Pulse; Florian Possberg from Big Skye Farms; Brad Wildeman with the hosted by federal candidate Gary Anderson (Regina-Lumsden) along Canadian Cattlemen’s Association; Germaine Dauk with Pulse Canada, with candidate Allyce Herle. Federal Liberal Caucus Chair Andy Savoy Lester Lafond, who serves as the Chair of the First Nations Agricultural thanked the crowd for the prairie hospitality. Council of SK.

Agricultural leaders, representing over 20 groups from across the Also that day, Minister McCallum made an announcement to help province, voiced concerns around CAIS, supply-managed farm indus- keep rural Post Offices open as an economic anchor for communities, tries, and on-going agricultural trade issues. They were able to speak as part of the Liberals rural development initiative. directly to Ministers Goodale, Andy Mitchell (farm programs), John

2 liberaltimes Goodale optimistic • Continued from Page 1 In this Centennial Year in Saskatchewan, we need to rekindle the same ambitious “can- do” spirit that was there when this province first joined Confederation in 1905 – the same vision and determination that made Saskatchewan grow quickly to become the third-largest province in the country by 1929. Saskatchewan can tackle bold new ideas, for example about developing our precious water resources. About pipelines and reservoirs. About the wealth that can flow from water-based economic develop- ment. About drought-proofing and growing Saskatchewan like never before. We can pursue world-class energy development. For the smart production and use of our valuable hydrocarbons, of course. Prime Minister Paul Martin at the welcoming reception for the national caucus. Martin is But also wind and solar power. Small shown here with Saskatchewan federal campaign co-chair Leslie Anderson-Stodolka and hydro. Ethanol and bio-fuels. And yes, ura- the president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Mayor Michael Coleman nium – with the richest reserves and the best environmental science on the planet. Sask. welcomes federal caucus We can implement an innovation blue- • Continued from Page 1 print for Saskatchewan advancing our own Saskatchewan Liberals deepened our national connections with our Canadian family this homegrown brain-power, skills and learn- August, when our province -- through the hard work and superb organization of Finance ing, world-calibre research, and the capabili- Minister Ralph Goodale – played host to the federal Liberal national caucus. ty to commercialize new ideas. We must Cabinet ministers, M.P.’s, Senators, and the Prime Minister fanned out across the province not be mere spectators in this knowledge- to listen to Main Street, Saskatchewan. They were really impressed with prairie hospitality. based, technology driven world. To the many volunteers and staffers who made the visit such a success: A job well done! We can also stimulate the new equity Visitors from across Canada during this Centennial summer made clear one thing to me: capital sources, the human talents and the Saskatchewan is interconnected to the rest of the country. We cannot be isolationist in our thinking. The genius of Canada and of Saskatchewan is best summarized by our provincial public infrastructure necessary to broaden motto: from many peoples, strength. the range of what we can succeed at in rural Saskatchewan – that means more Isolationism does not work. Too many things can divide us in our everyday lives. More than ever, it seems politics tries to divide urban from rural; aboriginal from non-aboriginal; and value-added processing beyond just raw business from labour. Liberals reject that kind of politics. Saskatchewan Liberals are commodity production (as is so desperately working to bridge those divides. needed now in the beef industry). As you prepare for the changing of the season, please take time to make a difference in I am an optimist about Saskatchewan! your community, and reach out to build a new connection. Coming together, we can work to build one Saskatchewan.

3 liberaltimes New Deal for cities and communities Before an electrical storm on the open prairie, the air practi- cally vibrates. The Tuesday Welcoming Night Reception for the federal Liberal Caucus had that kind of electric atmosphere. On August 23, over 1,200 guests from across Saskatchewan and Canada packed the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts to min- gle with Liberal caucus members: M.P.’s, cabinet ministers, and Prime Minister Paul Martin. Both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ralph Goodale captivated the crowd that filled the balcony and the foyer with rousing speeches about the importance of building strong com- munities in Canada. The presence of Mayors from across Canada showed Saskatchewan Liberal connectivity to the rest of the coun- try. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister announced the Saskatchewan portion of The New Deal for Cities and Communities. In the words of the Prime Minister: Saskatchewan municipalities will receive more than $147 million, over five years, in federal gas tax funding. “Today marks a new partnership. One that will help ensure Saskatchewan’s municipalities have the tools they need to grow truck idling; or water treatment systems that deliver clean drinking stronger, more sustainable and to ensure a higher quality of life for water to communities at reduced energy costs. their residents. Saskatchewan’s cities and communities have stressed the need for new sources of funding, and for a voice in Many federal cabinet ministers commented they were glad to how those investments are made. We’ve listened.” hear first-hand the community issues brought forward by so many Saskatchewan Liberals and from key representatives of communi- Saskatchewan municipalities will benefit from more than ties, like SUMA President Don Schlosser, SARM President Neal $147 million, over five years, in federal gas tax funding to be used Hardy, Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco, Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison, for municipal infrastructure projects. Those projects will focus on and Prince Albert Mayor Jim Stiglitz, who were all in attendance environmental sustainability, like overpasses that reduce car and that day. Defence Minister praises Moose Jaw’s Snowbirds Liberal Defense Minister Bill Graham was a snowbird for a day. Not ice overseas, the Defense Minister praised the Forces’ UN work to date, in Florida or Arizona, but flying high over Moose Jaw. He commented that and talked about the heavy lifting that will be needed in Afghanistan this -- for him -- the best part of his flight with the Snowbirds was getting out winter. Canadians continue to work through NATO and through the UN, of the cockpit. a tradition that’s been built on since Lester Pearson, said Heibert. In that Pearsonian tradition, Saskatchewan residents, and Canadians can travel The Minister was then honoured at a luncheon attended by area the globe with the Canadian flag on their backpacks and on their luggage, Liberals and the Moose Jaw community, including John Williams, the and display our flag with pride. Palliser candidate. According to Gerry Hiebert, who helped co-ordinate provincial and federal Liberal attendance, the Minister spoke highly of Bill Graham emphasized how well received Canadians are around the Canadian peacekeepers. world with the Maple Leaf because of our peacekeeping work, and because of the excellent flight training that’s being done at Fifteen Wing, In the presence of three Canadian peacekeepers, who had seen serv- home of NATO flying training in Canada, and home of the Snowbirds.

4 “Building One Saskatchewan” Convention Nov. 4-6, 2005

Accommodation Convention Notes Saskatoon Inn (Please book prior to September 30, 2005) The Del Collins Award 2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon, SK In 2002, the Saskatchewan Women’s Liberal Commission Special rate for a block of 100 rooms held in name of “Saskatchewan (SWLC) initiated an award for women to acknowledge each other’s Liberal Association” service and achievement. Only one woman will be recognized annu- Toll Free: 1-800-667-8789 ally for this award. The honourees are recognized for outstanding Local: 306-242-1440 service to their community, country and their party. If you know a Website: www.saskatooninn.com woman who through the years has contributed in all three cate- gories, please contact Sharri Bell at the SLA Office (306) 522-8507 Days Inn (Please Book Prior to October 21, 2005) or Suzanne Wilton (306) 435-2457. 2000 Idylwyld Drive North, Saskatoon, SK Silent Auction Items Needed Group code is “SLC” for a special rate of $99.95/night Toll Free: 1-800-329-7466 The Saskatchewan Young Liberals will be holding a fund-raising Local: 306-242-3297 silent auction on Saturday, November 5th in the evening. Donations Website: www.mydaysinn.ca of items for auction are currently being accepted and would be great- ly appreciated. For more information, or to donate, please contact Melissa Cotton, SYLO president at [email protected] or 966- Annual General Meetings 2240. Appointment of Life Members Saskatchewan Young Liberal Association Lifetime members are members that have demonstrated a spe- 9:00 a.m., November 5, 2005 at the Saskatoon Inn. Any items for cial commitment to the Liberal Party in Saskatchewan. This commit- discussion should be forwarded to Melissa Cotton, Saskatchewan Young ment entitles them to be recognized at the Annual General Meeting Liberal President by November 3, 2005 (4:00 p.m.) E-mail: melissa.cot- (convention) by all members of the association. Your local con- [email protected]. stituency/riding executive may submit names of people whom they feel should be honoured with this appointment. For nomination Saskatchewan Women’s Liberal Commission forms, or more information, please contact Sharri Bell or Joan Ward 9:00 a.m., November 5, 2005, at the Saskatoon Inn. The AGM will at the SLA Office (306) 522-8507. Deadline for submission is Friday, include the elections of officers for the following year. Those wishing to October 28. seek office may submit their intentions in writing to Suzanne Wilton, Box 313, Moosomin SK, S0G 3N0 or [email protected]. Election of SLA Executive The following positions are open to all current members of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission Saskatchewan Liberal Association. Position descriptions and 9:00 a.m., November 5, 2005, at the Saskatoon Inn. There will be nomination forms are available through the SLA Office. Election an election of officers and executive and as well any other business for the positions will be held at the convention: deemed necessary to cover. If there are any questions or if any further • President information is needed, please contact Darcy Diachinsky, Acting President, • VP Member Services at (306) 374-9724 or [email protected]. • VP Finance • Communications Chair • Constitution Chair • Federal Affairs Chair • Organization Chair • Policy Chair

5 2005 Saskatchewan Liberal Convention November 4-6, 2005 – Saskatoon Inn 2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon, SK

DELEGATE CERTIFICATE

This certifies that (Please Print)

Family Name

First Name

Address City

Postal Code Phone Fax/E-Mail

Constituency Federal Provincial

Was selected as a delegate to the 2005 Saskatchewan Liberal Convention according to the Rules and Procedures approved by the Saskatchewan Liberal Association.

Ex-Officio Voting Youth Observer Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate

Ex-Officio Please Designate appropriate category i.e. (Current Constituency President, Commission, SLA Executive, Immediate Past Candidate, Life Member):

Signature – Delegate Place

Signature – Meeting Chair/Designate Place ------Convention Fee *(Enclosed) VISA Master Card

Card #: Expiry. Date: /

Name on card:

Per Person: Youth Delegates $50.00 Adult Delegates/Observers $125.00 Leader's Dinner $125.00 Leader's Dinner Price for Delegates $30.00

All Delegates MUST Pre-Register prior to Friday, October 28, 2005

Saskatchewan Liberal Association, 2054 Broad Street, Regina, SK S4P 1Y3 Telephone: (306) 522-8507/Fax: (306) 569-9271 E-Mail: [email protected] liberaltimes Smart car. Smart mayor. When you walk into the Craik EcoCentre, round the corner, and head straight down the hall, you enter a super energy efficient confer- ence room in a building made from compact- ed straw bales, and recycled wood products. So what better place than the EcoCentre to Craik and its mayor, Rod Haugerud, have been gaining national attention as a discuss environmental policy for the model sustainable rural community. Saskatchewan Liberal Party this summer. The gathering was part of a continuing During national caucus, Stephane Dion, Liberal Party members listened to a pres- series of policy discussions organized by SLA the Environment Minister, traveled to Craik, entation by professor emeritus of the U of S, Policy Chair Jenn Pereira and the policy com- and toured the EcoCentre within the Craik Dr. Lynn Oliphant, and then used his talk on mittee. As Saskatchewan Liberals look to a EcoVillage. He was impressed with the inno- environmental issues as a jump off point for a fall convention, these policy discussions are vation and ingenuity of this great rural devel- policy debate. helping local constituencies formulate and opment gem. sponsor policy resolutions at convention. The main points of the debate surround- If you are interested in a particular policy ed the sustainability of current economic The town of Craik, and Mayor Rod area, feel free to email Jenn at growth rates, transportation issues, and ener- Haugerud, have been gaining national and [email protected], or call the Regina gy consumption. The setting of the meeting international attention, including the Globe office at 306 522 8507 with your policy sug- also sparked a lively discussion around and Mail for their work on building a rural gestions. We greatly value your input. building code standards for alternative hous- sustainable community. ing methods, like straw bale construction.

Strategy and Planning Session In memoriam

This is an opportunity for all members to share their views on the future of the This issue of the Liberal Times is dedicated to the mem- Party and ideas and strategies for positive change. Topics for discussion will ory of John George Egnatoff (1914-2005). include: • Increasing our Membership An educational leader, he served as one-room school • Increasing size and number teacher, elementary school principal, teacher's college and of donations University of Saskatchewan professor (educational admin- • Planning fundraising activities istration), and on boards of local and national organiza- • Suggesting best use of our Leader’s time per constituency tions of teachers, principals, and trustees. • Detailing your needs from the organization, etc… Place: The Village of Craik (Community Hall) A dedicated Liberal from youth, he sat as MLA for Melfort-Tisdale (1948-52), ran as MP in Saskatoon, and Date: Saturday, September 24, 2005 encouraged many others. Time: 9:30 a.m. He served the Forum for Young Canadians, the RSVP: To Sharri or Joan at (306) 522-8507 or National Parole Board, and as labour negotiator and medi- [email protected] ator. He received the Order of Canada in 1981. Lunch will be ordered. Deadline to RSVP: Tuesday, September 20, 2005

7 liberaltimes www.saskliberal.ca

It begins today. It begins with you. Join us as we “Build One Saskatchewan”.

Publications Mail Agreement # 41213516 Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Saskatchewan Liberal Association 2054 Broad Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 1Y3 41213516