This blog is maintained in conjunction with POL S 421 (Provincial Politics in Canada) at the University of Alberta. Comments and questions from students, guests, and the community are welcomed.
In your address, you mentioned that Saskatchewan is not resentful towards the federal government over the issue of equalization payments. Why do you think Saskatchewan feels less resentment than other 'have' provinces? Do you think it will emerge as an issue in the future as Saskatchewan's resource industry expands?
The diminishing of Western alienation among the Western provinces has been partially attributed to the ascendance of a majority Conservative government that did not need the support of Quebec votes. Do you think a return to a Liberal majority government with a strong base of support in Quebec would once again cause Western Alienation to return? Or have other lasting changes occurred that would mitigate such a rise in regional discontent?
You mentioned the vast population of First Nations within Saskatchewan. I find it very interesting that Saskatchewan’s First Nations population is poised to become the demographic majority by the year 2050. Do you foresee this demographic shift resulting in stronger political action amongst First Nations, potentially creating the political conditions necessary for a third level of Aboriginal self-government to become a reality?
"Saskatchewan has 160,000 residents with an Aboriginal identity, or 15.6 percent of the population, including about 50,000 Métis. Regina and Saskatoon both contain large proportions of urban Aboriginals (about 9 percent), while Prince Albert has 34 percent, and native concerns are increasingly important on the province's political agenda. Given the high Aboriginal birthrate, it is predicted that Saskatchewan will have an Aboriginal majority by 2050.." (Dyck 2014: 96).
Is there much of an environmental movement within Saskatchewan politics? Is resource development being done in an environmentally sensitive way, or is it more of the 'out of sight, out of mind' variety?
In your address, you mentioned that Saskatchewan is not resentful towards the federal government over the issue of equalization payments. Why do you think Saskatchewan feels less resentment than other 'have' provinces? Do you think it will emerge as an issue in the future as Saskatchewan's resource industry expands?
ReplyDeleteThe diminishing of Western alienation among the Western provinces has been partially attributed to the ascendance of a majority Conservative government that did not need the support of Quebec votes. Do you think a return to a Liberal majority government with a strong base of support in Quebec would once again cause Western Alienation to return? Or have other lasting changes occurred that would mitigate such a rise in regional discontent?
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned the vast population of First Nations within Saskatchewan. I find it very interesting that Saskatchewan’s First Nations population is poised to become the demographic majority by the year 2050. Do you foresee this demographic shift resulting in stronger political action amongst First Nations, potentially creating the political conditions necessary for a third level of Aboriginal self-government to become a reality?
ReplyDeleteI should cite my sources! :)
Delete"Saskatchewan has 160,000 residents with an Aboriginal identity, or 15.6 percent of the population, including about 50,000 Métis. Regina and Saskatoon both contain large proportions of urban Aboriginals (about 9 percent), while Prince Albert has 34 percent, and native concerns are increasingly important on the province's political agenda. Given the high Aboriginal birthrate, it is predicted that Saskatchewan will have an Aboriginal majority by 2050.." (Dyck 2014: 96).
Is there much of an environmental movement within Saskatchewan politics? Is resource development being done in an environmentally sensitive way, or is it more of the 'out of sight, out of mind' variety?
ReplyDelete