Despite cost, Sask. gov’t calls trip to COP28 in Dubai ‘a major success’

The provincial government is calling a trip to the United Nations’ climate change conference in Dubai “a major success for Saskatchewan.”

But the hefty price tag attached to the overseas trip had some asking questions even before the delegation’s departure.

Premier Scott Moe, who is back in the province after the conference, said he was proud that industries like energy, mining and agriculture had a voice at the climate change event.

“It is imperative they are part of the sustainability discussion, and this year they were,” the premier said in a statement.

“It truly was a one-stop shop where the sole focus was all things Saskatchewan. Engagement and connections made at COP28 help attract investment and mean more opportunities in our province.”

The province had its own pavilion at the conference, where more than 50 panel discussions and events were held.

About 60 representatives from Saskatchewan businesses, institutions and other organizations joined the delegation, the government said, and the event saw the announcement of new partnerships on clean energy, nuclear co-operation, innovation and regenerative agriculture.

But while the trip is being lauded as a success by the government, the high cost of the overseas conference has come under heavy scrutiny.

The week-long conference is considered the most expensive in the provincial government’s history, with an estimated cost of $765,000.

That price tag went up even further with the announcement that the government had spent $238,000 to advertise its pavilion at metros and airports around the United Arab Emirates city.

The government also faced criticism over the guest list at the pavilion, which featured many groups not based in the province, including the University of Guelph and a Calgary-based law firm.

NDP Jobs Critic Aleana Young said the advertising price tag alone was comparable to the cost of an average home in Regina, and said the trip’s success or failure will depend on how many new jobs, revenue sources and partnerships come to Saskatchewan as a result.