Premier Brad Wall announced Wednesday that the province is reconsidering Bill 40; legislation that allows for the sale of up to 49 per cent of a Crown corporation.
He said the idea is being put back on the table due to concern he and his colleagues have been hearing over the summer.
“I was certainly of the view that the people of the province would see a partnership where we would lose majority control for the people of Saskatchewan as just that,” Wall said.
“To the extent where I may have not read that correctly on behalf of the people that Crown corporations, we’re going to find out and continue to do the work.”
Wall made the announcement while speaking with reporters following his cabinet shuffle.
READ MORE: Sask. Premier Brad Wall announces cabinet shuffle
The premier has heard from some individuals that even a five per cent change in ownership of a Crown, like SaskTel, would count as privatization.
Bill 40 passed into law in April, and was given Royal Ascent the next day.
READ MORE: Sask. government passes Bill 40, allows for up to 49 per cent sale of Crown corporations
If there is any change to Bill 40 Wall said that citizens of Saskatchewan should have the opportunity to help determine what the new direction for the Crowns should be.
“So maybe that’s a binding referendum, province wide, where everyone gets a say and it’s not the government that makes the decision,” Wall said.
Bill 40 is still the standing policy for the government, so private entities are able to propose partnerships where they would own a portion of a Crown. Wall said he is not aware of any offers at this time.
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