The Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE) union is holding townhall meetings around Saskatchewan to bring attention to the negatives of privatizing Crown corporations.
Kim Wilson, president of COPE Local 397, says the province’s Bill 40, if passed, will change the definition of privatization.
READ MORE: Referendum possible on selling SaskTel if deal is good: Premier Brad Wall
She said under the bill, the Saskatchewan Party government would be able to sell off 49 per cent of a Crown corporation without it being considered privatization, and without having to hold a referendum.
Earlier this month, Premier Brad Wall said he would hold a referendum before deciding if the government would sell SaskTel, the telecommunications Crown corporation.
Last year, his government announced legislation allowing the privatization of dozens of government-owned liquor stores by removing the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority from the list of Crown corporations subject to the Public Ownership Act.
READ MORE: Province introduces legislation to define “privatization”
COPE’s meetings will be held in various communities throughout the province until mid-March.
The union represents workers at Saskatchewan Government Insurance, the University of Regina’s faculty association and provincial and caucus staff members with the Saskatchewan NDP.
Comments