March 8, Date 2011 Saskatchewan NDP side with Ontario in debate over natural resource revenues NDP MLA

agrees with Premier Dalton McGuintys petro-dollar theory NDP MLA Cathy Sproule says she supports Ontario Premier Dalton McGuintys position that he prefers a weak Canadian dollar over higher demand for western Canadas natural resources. Sproule made the comments in a debate in the Saskatchewan Legislature yesterday. "Oil and gas has been traditionally underpriced and has actually driven the dollar up and I think we heard comments from our Premier recently about the Premier of Ontario being concerned about the Canadian dollar, said Sproule. To me that's a valid concern and to be calling it divisive by our own Premier is actually driving a wedge into the discussion." Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty made national headlines last week when he blamed high demand for resources in western Canada for his provinces economic woes. "The only reason the dollar is high, it's a petro dollar, driven by the global demand for oil and gas to be sourced in Western Canada," McGuinty said. "If I had my preferences as to whether we have a rapidly growing oil and gas sector in the West or a lower dollar benefiting Ontario, I stand with the lower dollar." Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd finds Sproules comments disappointing but not surprising. The NDP have always been a barrier to the development of Saskatchewans oil and gas sector, and they continue to be a barrier, Boyd said. The NDP seem to be determined to undermine Saskatchewans position as one of the drivers of Canadas economy. The good news is voters in the new Saskatchewan have rejected the NDPs anti-growth agenda and voted to keep Saskatchewan moving forward. We will keep the Saskatchewan Advantage.

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