REGINA — Speculation about separatism in the wake of this week's Canadian election result has dominated talk at the Legislature.
Opposition New Democrats have been hammering the Sask Party government this week on the topic, especially since the announcement Tuesday by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith that she was lowering the requirements to trigger a citizen-led referendum there.
That move comes after the Liberal government was re-elected this week, despite a massive vote showing in favour of opposition Conservatives in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. It has also led to speculation Saskatchewan might follow suit with referendum efforts of its own.
In Question Period Thursday, Opposition Leader Carla Beck vowed Canada would never be the 51st state and demanded Premier Scott Moe “stand and condemn those using their positions of influence to break up this beautiful country.”
Moe’s response, in the Assembly and to reporters outside, amounted to the following:
“I would say, first of all, what the opposition and NDP are putting forward is really a strawman argument —- there’s only two options, status quo or separation,” Moe said to reporters.
“We don't believe that to be the case. In fact, the very founding principles of the Saskatchewan Party talk about growing the Saskatchewan economy, the opportunities that people have in Saskatchewan, within a strong and united Canada. And we believe that to this day.”
Moe reiterated to reporters his plans to speak Prime Minister Mark Carney soon about “some of the opportunities that I would hope Prime Minister Carney would take with respect to changing and altering some of the policies that have been put in place over the last 10 years, supported by this very same Opposition every step of the way, but altering some of those policies so that Saskatchewan can actually achieve even more than we have been able to over the course of the last decade.”
Moe expressed his hope that Carney would be “reaching out and attempting to work with the province. That's our focus, that's our goal, is to work alongside him and to offer him some opportunities where we can work together in growing our province, which is good for the nation of Canada.”
But Moe stopped short in his remarks of condemning those supporters of separation, or of saying he would prevent a citizen-driven referendum from happening on separation.
He acknowledged to reporters that the province does have a plebiscite and referendum legislation in place.
“It's available for people to have their voice heard at any point in time. It was last amended, I believe, in 1996. We'll follow that legislation. If Saskatchewan citizens want to have their voice heard in the way of a plebiscite or referendum, they're going to get their voice heard, as I think they should.”
Moe added that “what we heard in the House was the NDP is going to pick and choose when they might follow that legislation. We don't think that's right.”
“Our position as a government is very clear, and has been clear since the very formation of this party. We believe in a strong, growing, vibrant Saskatchewan within a united nation of Canada. I can't be more clear with respect to that.”
When he was further asked if he would condemn Saskatchewan people who support separatism, Moe responded “why would you condemn Saskatchewan people that might have an opinion?”
“I am not about condemning Canadians, and I'm not about condemning people. They're Canadians today, and I would say, with respect, my job is to make the position of the Saskatchewan Party government clear. We very much believe there is a path forward to work with the new Prime Minister on ensuring that Saskatchewan can have a growing, vibrant economy. I very, very seldom am going to condemn people. At times, you might hear me condemn actions in the Assembly. Very seldom, and I think, do I condemn or judge people.”
In her remarks to reporters, Beck was incredulous about the Premier’s remarks.
She said again that “Canada will never be the 51st state. We will not separate from Canada. And I think it's important that leaders, especially right now, make that incredibly clear. It is... I'm struggling to find the word. It's angering and frustrating and honestly puzzling that I understand the Premier can't find his way to say something as important and basic as that.”
Regarding a plebiscite or referendum, Beck said she wanted to “see the Premier rule it out. I want to see the Premier rule out entertaining the thought of separation.”
“I want the Premier to stand up, show some courage, and say that that is irresponsible. That that is not our path forward... Let's be really clear about this. Talk of separation right now plays right into Donald Trump's hands. It's incredibly reckless.”
Beck said she understood there were frustrations, but that “Saskatchewan is going to remain part of Canada.”
“We are going to do what it takes to make sure that we make the changes, we build the infrastructure that's needed to ensure that this country is strong and united, and that we have set ourselves up for a bright future.”
