‘Draw some lines in the sand’: Moe says autonomy meetings to go ahead this summer

Premier Scott Moe says his government will hold a series of “provincial autonomy meetings” over the summer months, pushing for greater independence from Ottawa.

During a news conference Tuesday ahead of his trip to B.C. for the annual Council of the Federation meeting, Moe said the purpose of the autonomy meetings will be to try and expand Saskatchewan’s autonomy to “use up the entirety of the Constitution of Canada.”

Some are likely to be town-hall-style public meetings, Moe said, while others will likely be held behind closed doors.

“This is really about the opportunity that we see lies before our province and the people that live here,” Moe said, citing growing investment in Saskatchewan’s energy, mining, agriculture, food, and forestry industries.

Moe said he sees determination to achieve further growth, and the need for a “stronger federation.”

The premier said Saskatchewan wants the same level of autonomy that is extended to Quebec in its immigration policy.

Quebec has its own provincial immigration policies, which are separate and distinct from other programs. The Quebec Ministry of Immigration selects candidates considered most likely to settle in the French-speaking province, and foreigners must go through a two-step immigration process.

“If we are going to build all of what’s been announced, we need more people, ultimately, to move here to this province. And in order to do that, we’re going to have to open up a very serious engagement and discussion with the federal government on our immigration numbers,” Moe said.

The autonomy meetings will focus on how best to do that, Moe said.

When asked how the provincial government could ask for additional federal funding for things like health care while also pushing for greater autonomy, Moe said Saskatchewan’s push for greater independence is taking place within the confines of Canada’s Constitution.

“Where there may be another entity that puts in place impediments or hindrances so we can not achieve what we know is possible for Saskatchewan people, most certainly we’re going to draw some lines in the sand, and we’re going to defend the opportunity to grow a stronger Saskatchewan,” Moe said.

Through meetings with local MLAs, Moe said the government is going to ask local stakeholders how best to accomplish their “additional autonomy” goals.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Lyle Stewart and former Reform MP Allan Kerpan will spearhead those meetings throughout the summer.