Kansas City-based Bartlett Grain Co. LLC, a donor to the Republican Party, recently became the new owner of a grain elevator near Melfort and a logistics hub in the southeast after acquiring Ceres Global Ag Corp.
Ceres also owns 41.6 per cent of Steel Reef, which signed a series of deals to sell power to SaskPower last year. Ceres had formerly promised and then cancelled a $350-million canola crush plant.
“We need less foreign ownership, especially from companies based in Donald Trump’s America,” said Aleana Young, Saskatchewan NDP Jobs & Economy Shadow Minister.
“Other provinces are prioritizing their economy and workers, reducing their reliance on the U.S., and diversifying their economy while Scott Moe and his Ministers pander to Donald Trump.
“We don’t have to settle for this — we should be actively pursuing and promoting Saskatchewan and Canadian ownership of our agriculture assets.”
Saskatchewan already faces a 35 per cent tariff on goods and products, in addition to a 50 percent tariff on steel and a 34 per cent tariff on lumber.
While the current Sask. Party leader has suggested that Saskatchewan’s economy hasn’t been affected by the trade war, Saskatchewan agricultural exports to the United States have plunged 16.5 per cent, energy exports have dropped 13.4 per cent and forestry product exports have fallen nearly 24 per cent year-to-date.
Young said it’s clear that the Sask. Party would rather encourage business with foreign companies and Donald Trump’s donors than Canadian companies investing in Canada.
“We can build a bright future for the Saskatchewan economy by leaning on the work ethic, innovation and spirit of the people living and operating right here in our incredible province,” Young said.
“We can focus on a future where Saskatchewan jobs and Saskatchewan businesses come first.”
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