REGINA – With Rachel Notley’s NDP grabbing a stranglehold on Alberta politics, economists see Saskatchewan’s stock going up.
“Overall, I expect a positive impact on Saskatchewan’s economy,” said Hafiz Akhand. The economic department head at the University of Regina noted the TSX took a tumble after the election.
Akhand said that type of economic uncertainty is a sign of things to come.
“Investors generally don’t like that, so Saskatchewan has an advantage to that extent,” he said.
Notley’s campaign was largely based on a promise to increase corporate taxes and develop a more progressive personal tax.
“The Alberta tax advantage is pretty much gone. The only thing they have is the sales tax, over Saskatchewan,” said Hafiz.
Political scientist, Jim Farney, agrees.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see some companies say: ‘Hey Saskatchewan, we know what’s going on, maybe we’ll invest there instead of Alberta,'” he predicts.
Akhand took it one step further, and said he expects to see a migration of both businesses and workers.
Premier Brad Wall said there’s plenty of room in Saskatchewan if that’s what people decide.
“Everyone is welcome. It’s just a quick pledge to Rider Nation, that’s the only formality,” he joked to reporters.
On a more serious note however, Wall is concerned about the viability of one project the Alberta PCs helped set in motion.
“We’re hoping the NDP continue with the New West Partnership, that’s the free trade agreement we’ve set up between the three Western “have” provinces.”
Meanwhile, leader of the official opposition, Cam Broten, said his party is hopeful heading into Saskatchewan’s provincial election.
“There’s some lessons about being positive and optimistic and working hard, and those are the types of things we believe as New Democrats here in Saskatchewan,” said Broten.
Public policy researcher, Daniel Beland, said there’s plenty of reason for local NDP candidates to be excited.
“What happened in Alberta could certainly give them some ammuntion to say, the wind is blowing in their favour across the country and that the NDP is a viable alternative to Brad Wall,” said Beland.
But he cautions the landscapes in the two provinces are very different. Beland said Saskatchewan doesn’t appear to have the same appetite for change.
“Brad Wall is probably not that concerned about his electoral future, at least in the short term.”
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