Scott Moe says Sask. still sifting through details of federal budget

Three days after the federal budget was released, Premier Scott Moe said the province is still sifting through the details and its potential impacts on Saskatchewan.

Moe said he believes there are opportunities for the two governments to come together. Specifically, the premier said the province is looking at some of the potential opportunities around his government’s rare earth elements plan.

“(We’re) looking at where we can align and when we can align with the federal government for what is in the best interest of Saskatchewan people,” he said.

“We’re sifting through the details where the federal government may have an opportunity to align with the province in the processing sector, for example, of the rare earth elements.”

Moe focused on the mining sector and the opportunities for collaboration in that area.

“All of this creates an opportunity for investment into this province, which creates the opportunity for jobs. So where we can align – and I don’t know where all of those places will be in the months and years ahead – we will when it’s in the best interest of the people that we represent in this province,” he said.

Moe added that where the two governments can’t align, they won’t.

He said he’s appreciative of the investments into both child care and health care included in the federal budget.

“We don’t agree, obviously, on the quantum, but we do agree and (are) appreciative of the additional dollars coming into the health-care environment, which is a two per cent lift to our budget,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to Moe, residents and businesses across Saskatchewan are feeling the pressure from inflation. He said that the federal carbon tax going up on Saturday will also mean a substantial addition to gas and energy bills.

Moe added that the province is currently working with Ottawa on what will likely be an agreement on the carbon tax.

He said that it will likely have significant strings attached, however.

“(This) doesn’t help the inflationary pressures that Saskatchewan people are feeling and most certainly, I think, restricts the Province of Saskatchewan with the decisions we are able to make on behalf of Saskatchewan people,” Moe said.