CEP in Saskatchewan has released a report called, “The Public Interest”, in response to political and media speculation about selling off the province’s crown corporations. With a provincial election expected to be held this fall, our union is concerned about the opposition Saskatchewan Party’s promise to review crowns and possibly sell off those in direct competition with the private sector.

CEP Administrative Vice President Ron Carlson said, “Saskatchewan crown corporations provide residents with services at low cost compared with other provinces while making a significant contribution to the provincial budget.” Privatization in other provinces has led to increased costs and a decline in service.

Public sector workers suffer the most, with decertification of unions, job loss and reduction of wage rates. Member of the public expressed concern about privatization during the course of public hearings organized by CEP in 17 communities across the province in 2002. A survey of SaskTel workers initiated by our SaskTel Local also revealed great concern among member regarding the issues of deregulation and privatization.

Carlson said “the provincial NDP government supports the study's findings, while the opposition Saskatchewan Party does not.” The Saskatchewan Party says it will wait until after the election to review the crowns and make a decision – a policy he says the people of Saskatchewan do not support.

Currently, there are $7.2 billion in assets held by the four major crown corporations (SaskTel, SaskPower, SaskEnergy and Saskatchewan Government Insurance). These crowns produce over 15% of the provincial GDP and employ over 9% of the provincial labour force, much of it represented by CEP.