Saskatchewan Party leadership candidate Scott Moe, with Souris Valley Industries as a backdrop, made an announcement regarding his campaign policy Wednesday morning. The focus of the policy will be growing and diversifying the Saskatchewan presence around the world when it comes to trade and export.

Speaking to staff from Souris Valley Industries, as well as party supporters, Moe outlined how the Saskatchewan Party has improved international trade numbers since coming to power in 2007. He then went on to expand on his plan to improve the province’s international exports, in particular with key trading partners.

“Our new international trade and exports policy will establish a new minister responsible for international trade,” Moe explained. “This will be separate from the Ministry of Economy, and the work of this new minister will also be supported by a newly created Premier’s Council on International Trade and Exports.”

The council would consist of external stakeholders from various sectors who would provide input on trade missions, and work on growing markets for exporters in Saskatchewan.

Using Souris Valley Industries as an example of a business that directly, and indirectly, supports the export and manufacturing industries of the province, Moe said their plans for expansion into the U.S. market will need the assistance of the government whenever possible to ensure they receive access to the markets. He also clarified how these efforts can be hampered by issues like a carbon tax.

“We’re challenged with understanding our carbon footprint, and our carbon emissions, and what I would call a more fulsome carbon conversation,” Moe stated.

Moe used the example of the upstream and downstream emissions of a pipeline like the Energy East pipeline. He compared it to the emissions of imported oil from other markets, including many which have lower environmental standards than Saskatchewan, emphasizing the plan would include fairness compared to other countries, with recognition of advancements, and the efforts made to improve emissions, without the implementation of a carbon tax.

After his announcement, Moe sat down with Discover Weyburn's James Brackpool for a one on one interview.

Full Interview with Scott Moe

Scott Moe talking to Discover Weyburn, Courtesy of Denis Conroy.