Summary Saskatchewan Forum 2012 Saskatchewan Forum 2012 by The Conference Board of Canada Front cover photos Left: Wilton Angus, Client/Employee Liaison, Athabasca Labour Services Ltd. Middle: Marion Zerr, Special Advisor to the Deputy Minister, Executive Council, Government of Saskatchewan; Nancy E. Hopkins, Partner, McDougall Gauley LLP Right: Mo Bundon, Senior VP and COO, Harvard Developments Inc.; Mark Hustak, Executive Partner, Paradigm Consulting Group Inc.; Reg Robinson, Managing Partner, Solvera Solutions About The Conference Board of Canada We are: • The foremost independent, not-for-profit, applied research organization in Canada. • Objective and non-partisan. 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CONTENTS Saskatchewan Forum 2012................................... 5 Overview........................................................ 5 The Design of the Saskatchewan Forum ............................... 6 The Agenda at a Glance ............................................ 8 Key Observations ................................................ 10 Actionable Next Steps ............................................ 12 Appendix A: Program Director and Advisory Group ..................... 13 Appendix B: Complete Agenda and Session Descriptions................. 14 Appendix C: Economic Forecast and Social Outlook ..................... 18 Appendix D: Keynote Remarks—Andrew Mackenzie of BHP Billiton ........ 20 Appendix E: Keynote Remarks—Premier Brad Wall ..................... 28 Appendix F: Delegates ............................................ 35 Appendix G: Sponsors and Supporters ............................... 41 Acknowledgements This summary was prepared by Jessica Brichta, Research Associate, and Diana MacKay, Director, Saskatchewan Institute. About The Saskatchewan Forum The Saskatchewan Forum is an annual flagship conference taking place each May in the province. The Forum gathers leaders to consider the key issues affecting Saskatchewan’s future prosperity, and it is closely associated with the Conference Board’s Saskatchewan Institute. For more information about the Saskatchewan Forum, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/13-0045/default.aspx. About The Saskatchewan Institute The Saskatchewan Institute is a major initiative of The Conference Board of Canada that focuses exclusively on issues that are relevant to Saskatchewan. The Institute brings together the Conference Board’s full range of expertise in economic analysis and forecasting, public policy research, and organizational performance to address themes of leadership, governance, innovation, competitiveness, and more. The Institute is working with partners in Saskatchewan to produce research that will help public and private sector leaders sharpen their vision for Saskatchewan’s future and find solutions to the challenges they need to address. For more information about the Saskatchewan Institute, visit www.conferenceboard.ca/SI. 4 | Saskatchewan Forum 2012: Summary Saskatchewan Forum 2012 Overview On May 29–30, 2012, in Regina, The Conference The Saskatchewan Forum also served as a launch for Board of Canada convened the first annual Saskatchewan the Saskatchewan Institute, a major new initiative of Forum. The event drew together national, international, the Conference Board in collaboration with key part- provincial, and Aboriginal thought leaders, decision- ners in the province. The strategic connection between makers, and influencers to explore issues relevant to the Saskatchewan Forum and the Saskatchewan Saskatchewan’s future. The Forum’s objective was Institute creates a vital link with the research agenda to bring together leaders to consider Saskatchewan and delivers on the need for evidence-based decision- strategic directions. making on the issues. Strong engagement from key advisors, financial spon- sors, and event partners enabled the conceptualization, planning, and delivery of a world-class event. About 230 leaders involved in issues affecting Saskatchewan’s future contributed to the discussions and created the potential for impact. A Conference Board Flagship Event Saskatchewan Forum 2013 May 14–15, 2013, Hotel Bessborough, Saskatoon The world wants what Saskatchewan has... but more importantly, No other event brings together as broad a range of key stakeholders or facilitates Saskatchewan has what the world needs! a more holistic view of the province. Demand for Saskatchewan’s abundant resources is projected to remain strong; and for the foreseeable future, the world will want to do business with Saskatchewan. And with Register today. Space is limited! strong institutions, stable politics, and a capacity to absorb a larger workforce, the province For details on the Forum or to register, has incredible growth potential. But with growth comes both opportunity and risk. visit: www.conferenceboard.ca/conf Join over 200 Canadian, international, provincial, and Aboriginal thought leaders, decision-makers, and influencers to discuss the top issues affecting Saskatchewan’s Or contact: future, focusing on two key themes: Tracie Jones [email protected] Managing the Relationship With China and Investing in Cities and Communities. 613-526-3090 ext. 286 The Conference Board of Canada | 5 The Design of the the workforce, immigration policy and programs, and the strategic alignment of the education system with Saskatchewan Forum Saskatchewan’s needs. The world wants what Saskatchewan produces. Theme 2: Building the Conditions for Sustainable Saskatchewan has one of the strongest economies in and Inclusive Growth Canada, record low unemployment, and population Topics in this theme included: growth higher than that of any other province. A lot has • identifying Saskatchewan’s next infrastructure changed in recent years, and it is clear much more will investments; change in the future. • harnessing the policies that attract new capital; and The Saskatchewan Forum was designed to enable • building a creative and innovative economy. leaders to consider: Saskatchewan has long experienced the cyclical nature • how Saskatchewan can take full advantage of its of a commodity-based economy. Creating and managing good fortune and ensure lasting prosperity for its the conditions that will create sustainable and inclu- citizens and businesses; sive growth is a top priority. To do so, leaders need to • what policy and planning decisions are required consider which strategic investments are required first, now to capitalize on the boom; and and which marketplace signals will encourage infusion • what investments are needed in the short term of new capital and diversification of the economy. The and beyond. smart development of Saskatchewan’s cities and communities will be a major element of success. Two Major Themes Three Questions for Delegates The first Saskatchewan Forum focused on two funda- mental challenges that need priority attention in order The Forum challenged delegates to answer for the province to build and maintain prosperity. three questions: • What is your vision for Saskatchewan 10 years Theme 1: Investing in the Future Workforce from now—in 2022? of Saskatchewan • What must happen in the next three years? Topics in this theme included: • What are the longer-term implications—out to 2050? • understanding Saskatchewan’s changing labour markets; These questions formed the basis for discussion at • driving successful Aboriginal engagement in the event, with an emphasis on interactive and the workplace; constructive exchange. • immigration policies and programs—achieving excellence in outcomes for firms, communities, and newcomers; and • Saskatchewan’s education system—teaching literacy, building skills, and learning for a lifetime. Two of the greatest immediate challenges for Saskatchewan are the continuing development of home-grown talent, and the integration and attraction of new workers to fuel the growing economy. This theme enabled delegates to explore elements of the province’s human capital development strategies and the ways they are responding to rapid changes in demand for labour and skills. Specific sessions drilled into what’s working, what more can be done, and who needs to lead in areas such as Aboriginal engagement in 6 | Saskatchewan Forum 2012: Summary Diana MacKay, Director, Everybody thinks that Saskatchewan’s Saskatchewan Institute and Forum, “ The Conference Board of Canada; arrived. However, my concept is that we Robert Watson, President and CEO, SaskPower; Tammy Cook-Searson, haven’t arrived. Nor should we ever