ESTEVAN — With the provincial election drawing near, communities across southeast Saskatchewan are turning their attention to critical issues that could shape the future of the region.
The Mercury and SaskToday reached out to the outgoing executive director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce Jackie Wall who, due to her role, was at the heart of the conversation, as she advocated for the region’s economic growth and stability for years. In an interview, she shed light on some of the most pressing concerns for businesses and residents as the election approaches.
Energy transition and economic stability
At the forefront of concerns for southeast Saskatchewan is the future of energy production, particularly as the region undergoes significant transitions. Estevan, traditionally known for its energy sector, is closely watching how provincial candidates plan to address these changes.
"The number 1 thing is energy production and our economy over the next few years as we transition," Wall said.
Estevan has a vested interest in understanding the government's plans for energy production, especially with nuclear energy being a potential future for the region, and coal still playing a major role in the region’s well-being and the province’s baseload power supply grid.
"We have the nuclear that's on the table, and our community is working very hard to figure out how we can get into the supply chain on that, get educated in nuclear, and prepare for that," she added.
The transition from coal and other traditional energy sources has been a topic of concern for years, and residents want clear answers from candidates on what support the region can expect during this shift. Wall emphasized the importance of collaboration at the provincial level, with Crown corporations as well as with the federal government, to ensure a smooth transition that benefits the entire province.
“Are we going to have reliable power? Is it going to be economically viable for businesses and the general population? And are we going to be ensuring that we have control over that energy production, and we're not going to be too reliant on another jurisdiction to produce and then import our power?” Wall asked, highlighting the broader concerns beyond just Estevan.
Wall was clear that any future government must engage with the region, ensuring ongoing communication as economic projects and energy transitions take shape. She stressed the southeast corner of the province is prepared to roll up its sleeves and contribute to the new energy landscape but needs government support to do so effectively.
"We will get a lot further in our region by working collaboratively, by working together, and we can move our province that much more forward if we have that dialogue across all of our regions, but especially this southeast region," Wall explained.
The excitement and potential surrounding new technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), are palpable, but the region needs guidance and support to fully capitalize on these opportunities.
“We're looking at transitioning and moving into areas where it is highly unknown,” Wall said, citing SMR technology as one of these new frontiers.
She praised the community’s willingness to learn, noting, "I have been so encouraged with the support within the community, the curiosity in the community, and the willingness to say, okay, I want to roll up my sleeves, I want to get educated, I want to get in on the potential supply chain of this new industry."
Taxation and the business environment
Another issue of critical importance for businesses in Estevan and beyond is taxation, particularly the province's assessment process. The chamber has long advocated for reforms in this area, especially given the volatility of a boom-bust economy.
"We are in a taxation situation that when new assessments come out in a boom-bust economy, like we are in this region ... the taxes on businesses on their property locations can sometimes quadruple," Wall noted.
She stressed the need for reforms to ensure the assessment process moves at the speed of business, rather than lagging behind economic realities.
For businesses, it’s not just about paying taxes, but understanding where their tax dollars are going and having a say in how tax policies are shaped. Wall explained, “You don't mind paying your taxes, but you don't mind it nearly as much if you know that your taxes are going where they're supposed to go.”
Accountability and transparency from the government will be key to easing the burden on businesses as they navigate the province’s taxation landscape.
Infrastructure and supply chain challenges
Infrastructure investments are also top of mind for voters in the southeast. As a key region for industries such as agriculture and energy, reliable transportation networks are essential for getting products in and out.
"Obviously highways, highway infrastructure," Wall said, emphasizing the importance of well-maintained roads and transportation networks for the region’s economy.
Beyond highways, Wall also highlighted the importance of rail and air travel in keeping supply chains running smoothly.
The region has faced increased uncertainty in the supply chain, exacerbated by recent disruptions such as a railway lockout and a possible airline strike. For businesses, this unpredictability is a growing concern.
"We need stability as businesses, and that involves a lot of different moving parts," Wall said, calling on all levels of government to work together to ensure businesses can continue operating without constant disruptions.
Workforce development and talent attraction
Another significant challenge facing the region is workforce development. With a changing labour market and the retirement of baby boomers, finding and retaining skilled workers has become increasingly difficult. Wall noted that the province needs to focus on developing talent through education and training programs that are accessible, particularly in smaller rural areas.
“There’s a lot of jobs where the training is not happening fast enough,” Wall said. “Looking at micro-credentials, fully utilizing the colleges in the small rural areas … people are looking to get retrained but don’t have the capacity to leave their community.”
Wall stressed that any future government needs to be transparent on how they plan to ensure they maintain good working relationships with various sectors, particularly health and education, which are critical to workforce stability.
Supporting small businesses
Small businesses, which make up the backbone of the province’s economy, also face unique challenges. Wall noted that many small businesses feel left out of government support, with larger companies often receiving more attention. She emphasized the need for reliable connectivity, particularly in rural areas, to help small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world.
"We need to have connectivity, number 1. We need to have every community, every person to be able to have reliable and fast Internet services," Wall said, noting the growing importance of online businesses and remote work in rural areas.
The election is set to occur Oct. 28, and the southeast has a number of critical issues that will influence voters. From energy transition to taxation, infrastructure, and workforce development, the region is looking to candidates for clear plans and collaborative solutions that will drive the region forward.
The chamber will host an all-candidates’ debate ahead of the provincial election with details to be announced at a later date.
