Equalization, GMO answers sought by SK premier from federal leaders

Just like voters, Premier Brad Wall wants to hear where the federal party leaders stand on issues that matter to Saskatchewan.

He’s sending a letter to Conservative leader Stephen Harper, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Thomas Mulcair, asking their views on things like equalization, energy and pipeline policy and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

It comes after Harper’s comments during his visit to Saskatchewan last week, calling the idea of reviewing the equalization payment formula a non-issue during the election campaign.

“If you can’t talk about even minor improvements to that program in a interminable federal election, then when can you?” Wall asked.

The premier said he understands why federal leaders have been hesitant to engage in the conversation because it is a complicated issue. Wall repeated his idea of putting some of the equalization money into an infrastructure fund that can be handed out to each province on a per-capita basis.

His letter also aims to spark a conversation about GMOs with the federal party leaders. Wall explained it is vital to Saskatchewan crop science and is a little worried about the national perception surrounding GMOs.

“There just seems to be more of a movement against (GMOs) and it doesn’t seem to always be fact-based,” he said. “I’d like to hear from all three leaders that they support and endorse the kind of crop science, the kind of genetic research we have been doing and will continue to do.”

AShepherd@rawlco.com
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