CALVERT SEEKING UNITED FRONT FOR FAIR TREATMENT OF PROVINCIAL OIL AND GAS REVENUES

Premier Lorne Calvert has invited Saskatchewan-based provincial and federal politicians to a special meeting this Friday to brief them on Saskatchewan's position in its fight for fair treatment of provincial oil and gas revenues from Ottawa.

"Saskatchewan wants a fair deal from Ottawa," Calvert said. "I will ask my colleagues for their support in our efforts to achieve an arrangement similar to the one just given to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia."

Invitations are being sent to Brad Wall, Leader of Saskatchewan's Official Opposition, David Karwacki, Leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party, the Saskatchewan Conservative Members of Parliament and Saskatchewan Senators. The meeting will be held Friday, February 18th at 1 p.m. at the Legislative Building.

"Meeting with other Saskatchewan political leaders and representatives to inform them of our position is a step toward creating a united front in pressuring Ottawa for fair treatment of provincial oil and gas revenues," Calvert said.

Under the existing Equalization program, Saskatchewan has at times lost in excess of 100 per cent of all our provincial energy revenues through Equalization claw backs. The new federal commitment to the Atlantic Provinces guarantees those provinces 100 per cent of their energy revenue while continuing to receive equalization. This arrangement accentuates the unfairness Saskatchewan residents face.

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Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-6349