Critics say Sask. Tories ‘missing in action’ in debate over PotashCorp

REGINA – Conservative MPs from Saskatchewan are being criticized for keeping quiet in the debate over the potential sale of PotashCorp to Australian mining giant BHP Billiton.

Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton said on a visit to Regina that there’s been "utter silence" from the 13 Conservatives who represent the province in Ottawa.

Liberal Regina MP Ralph Goodale says the 13 Conservatives have been missing-in-action, refusing to promote Saskatchewan’s cause.

The Saskatchewan government opposes the takeover of Saskatoon-based PotashCorp, saying it does not provide a net benefit to the province or to Canada.

Conservative Andrew Scheer, who also represents a Regina riding, says MPs have been involved "from the get go", but can’t say a lot publicly because they don’t want to taint the review process.

The federal government is expected to say on Wednesday whether or not it will approve the takeover.