LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ASKED TO HOLD CONSULTATIONS ON INTERNAL TRADE

Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen has asked the Standing (Policy Field) Committee on the Economy to conduct a formal inquiry on the state of internal trade in Saskatchewan.

The Committee, which includes Members from both the Government and Opposition caucuses, has been asked to hold a series of hearings to allow direct stakeholders and the general public to make presentations.  Minister Van Mulligen has asked the Committee to table a report of their findings with the Legislative Assembly by the end of June.

“We all have a stake in Saskatchewan’s continued prosperity and in the strength of economies within our province,” Van Mulligen said.  “Internal trade makes a valuable contribution to our economy, so it is crucial that the Committee hears from a diverse cross-section of individuals, enterprises and organizations on this issue.  Government will make a decision regarding Saskatchewan’s internal trade agenda, including whether or not to join the TILMA, shortly after the Committee tables its report.”

Those interested in learning more about internal trade can visit www.gr.gov.sk.ca/internaltrade.htm and access informational materials, including a background document entitled Saskatchewan’s Internal Trade at a Glance by the Department of Government Relations, a study by the Conference Board of Canada of the TILMA’s implications for Saskatchewan and external reviews of that study by two academic economists.

“These consultations will guide us toward well-informed decisions on how best to ensure continued prosperity and the creation of new trade and investment opportunities for Saskatchewan within Canada and internationally,” Van Mulligen said.

The schedule and locations for public hearings will be established by the Standing Committee, as well as details on how organizations and the public can arrange to make a presentation to the Committee.  That information is expected to be announced in the coming days.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-7051