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REMARKS OF
PREMIER GERALD A. REGAN
NOVA SCOTIA
AT THE
FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 8, 1971
OTTAWA

MR. CHAIRMAN, MY COLLEAGUES AND I IN THE GOVERNMENT OF NOVA SCOTIA WELCOME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE. WE ARE PLEASED THAT NOVA SCOTIANS HAVE GIVEN US THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT THEM AT THESE IMPORTANT MEETINGS.

I EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SHOWN SUCH DETERMINATION AND PATIENCE IN LEADING CANADA THROUGH RECENT CONSTITUTIONAL DISCUSSIONS. THIS HAS INDEED BEEN A PAINSTAXING PROCESS. A FACT LITTLE REALIZED OR FULLY APPRECIATED BY MANY PEOPLE.

WE WISH TO ACKNOWLEDGE IN PARTICULAR THE INITIATIVE AND GREAT CONTRIBUTION OF THE HONOURABLE JOHN ROBARTS, WHOSE

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FAR SIGHTED AND WISE COUNSEL WILL BE SORELY MISSED FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT FROM PUBLIC OFFICE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

SINCE THE DAYS BEFORE CONFEDERATION, NOVA SCOTIANS HAVE PLAYED ACTIVE ROLES IN NATIONAL DISCUSSIONS. YOU WILL, I AM SURE, SUPPORT MY OWN RECOGNITION OF THE USEFUL PART TAKEN IN PREVIOUS MEETINGS BY MY PREDECESSOR IN OFFICE, THE HONOURABLE G.I. SMITH.

WE SEEK TO ENHANCE THE TRADITION OF OUR PROVINCE. WE WILL PERSUE THE INTERESTS OF OUR PEOPLE IN THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION THAT GAVE BIRTH TO CANADA AND PERMITTED THIS COUNTRY TO FLOURISH. WE SEEK IN PARTICULAR AND WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH OTHERS IN THIS CONFERENCE TO ACHIEVE A REVISED CANADIAN CONSTITUTION.

MR. CHAIRMAN, “WE ARE ANXIOUS THAT THE PROCESS OF CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BE ACCELERATED, AND THAT AGREEMENT BE ACHIEVED ON THE METHOD OF ‘CANADIANIZING’ THE CONSTITUTION AND ON ITS BASIC NATURE, INCLUDING THE PROVISION FOR AMENDING IT.”

WE BELIEVE THAT THE METHOD OF EFFECTING A CANADIAN CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE AS EXPEDITIOUS AS POSSIBLE.

WE BELIEVE IT IS A MEANS OF ACHIEVING A CONSTITUTION AND WILL NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT A SUBSEQUENT APPROACH. WE

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SHOULD NOT PERMIT THE REVIEW PROCESS TO BE DELAYED OR TO BREAK DOWN ON WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY A QUESTION OF MECHANICS.

THE NEW ADMINISTRATION IN NOVA SCOTIA DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT IT IS FEASIBLE TO CONSIDER PATRIATION OF THE CONSTITUTION WITHOUT FIRST HAVING REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE AMENDING FORMULA TO THE ULTIMATE CANADIAN CONSTITUTION. THEREFORE, THE QUESTION OF PATRIATION AND THE AMENDING FORMULA MUST BE CONSIDERED AS PRIMARY CONCERNS AT THIS STAGE IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

PROVISIONS FOR AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION HAVE CAUSED CONCERN FOR MANY YEARS AND FAILURE TO AGREE ON A FORMULA HAS DELAYED ITS DEVELOPMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT OF NOVA SCOTIA APPRECIATES THE FACT THAT A NUMBER OF COMPLEX FACTORS MUST BE WEIGHED AND REFLECTED IN CONSTRUCTING AN AMENDING FORMULA.

THE 11 GOVERNMENTS, OF CANADA AND THE PROVINCES, MUST HAVE A VOICE IN THE AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION. ALL THESE NOW SHARE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS AND, TO THE EXTENT THAT THEIR POWERS ARE EXCLUSIVE, THEY ARE SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENTS. THIS CANNOT as IGNORED IN DEVELOPING A FORMULA WHICH WOULD PERMIT CHANGES IN THOSE POWERS.

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WE REALIZE THAT AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION OF A COUNTRY IS AN EXTRAORDINARY MEASURE.

SINCE AMENDMENT IS AN EXTRAORDINARY MEASURE THAT MAY AFFECT THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE COUNTRY, THERE MUST BE SAFEGUARDS TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS EMBEDDED IN THE CONSTITUTION. IN EFFECT, IT SHOULD NOT BE EASY TO ALTER THE EXISTING “CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS QUO” AT ANY GIVEN TIME, ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AMENDING FORMULA SHOULD BE SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE SO THAT AMENDMENTS CAN BE MADE TO MEET CHANGING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC NEEDS.

IT IS NO EASIER FOR THOSE SITTING AROUND THIS TABLE TODAY TO ANTICIPATE CANADA’S REQUIREMENTS 60 YEARS HENCE, THAN WAS POSSIBLE FOR THE FATHERS OF CONFEDERATION TO ENVISAGE THE TECHNOLOGIES AND OTHER CHANGES WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE 1867.

WE MUST STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN RIGIDITY AND FLEXIBILITY. WE MUST ASSURE THAT A MAJORITY CANNOT OVERRIDE THE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS OF A MINORITY OF PROVINCES OR PEOPLE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ASSURING THAT A MINORITY CANNOT FRUSTRATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COUNTRY.

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A COUNTRY WITH A VAST QUANTITY OF UNDEVELOPED AND UNDERDEVHLOPED RESOURCES. A COUNTRY WITH VARIATIONS IN THE LEVEL OF ECONOMIC WELL BEING AND A DIVERSITY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE.

THERE IS AN UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION BETWEEN REGIONS OF CANADA AND THAT CHANGES IN POPULATION DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION ARE LIKELY TO OCCUR AS THE COUNTRY AND THE VARIOUS REGIONS GO THROUGH STAGES OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING, THEN, IS AN AMENDING FORMULA REFLECTTNG THE DIVERSE NATURE OF CANADA. ONE WHICH WOULD ESTABLISH THE CONSTITUTION AS A LEGAL DOCUMENT EXTRAORDINARY AND ONE THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO ALL ll GOVERNMENTS AND THE PEOPLE OF CANADA.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE CONFERENCE ACHIEVE AGREEMENT ON PATRIATION AND THE AMENDING FORMULA. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PROVINCES FACE MANY PRESSING PROBLEMS, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL, THAT AFFECT THE WELL BEING OF CANADIANS. ON THESE WE CAN TOLERATE NO UNREASONABLE DELAY.

YET FEW OF THE IMPORTANT POLICY ISSUES WE FACE CAN BE DEALT WITH EXCEPT ON AN AD HOC AND TEMPORARY BASIS WHILE MAJOR CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES REMAIN UNSETTLED. IT OCCURS TO US THAT WITHOUT AGREEMENT ON THE METHOD OF PATRIATION AND THE

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AMENDING FORMULA, DISCUSSIONS OF OTHER MATTERS TO BE CONTAINED IN THE CONSTITUTION CANNOT BE VERY PRODUCTIVE.

THE PROSPECT OF REACHING AGREEMENT ON SUBSTANTIVE MATTERS, AND FILING THOSE AGREEMENTS AWAY PENDING FINALIZATION OF PATRIATION AND AGREEMENT ON THE AMENDING FORMULA, DOES NOT PROVIDE THE DYNAMIC STIMULUS THAT WOULD PREVAIL IF WE KNEW THAT ONCE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED THE IMPLEMENTATION COURSE WAS CLEAR.

MR. CHAIRMAN, I ANTICIPATE THAT ONCE WE HAVE PATRIATED THE CANADIAN CONSTITUTION AND HAVE AGREED ON AN AMENDING FORMULA, THE CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW PROCESS CAN MOVE AHEAD AND WILL RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT UPDATING OF THE CONSTITUTION TO REFLECT THE NATURE OF CANADA AND THE POLICIES WITH WHICH GOVERNMENTS MUST DEAL.

DURING EARLIER DISCUSSIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE FEDERAL POWER IN THIS FIELD SHOULD, IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT WITH PROVINCIAL LAWS, BE PARAMOUNT IF THE POLLUTION HAS SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL OR INTERPROVINCIAL EFFECTS.

IT IS SUGGESTED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A PROVINCE NOT MEETING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS FIELD, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD THEN HAVE THE POWER TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. WE ARE NOT SATISFIED AT THIS TIME THAT SUCH CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL PROVE TO BE SATISFACTORY.

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NOVA SCOTIA RECOGNIZES THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO HAVE INCREASING CONCERN FOR AND TAKE MEASURES TO STOP THE DETERIORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT HY CONTROLLING CONTAMINATION BY INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, VEHICLES AND SHIPS, WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS AS WELL AS POLLUTANTS DISTRIBUTED BY INDIVIDUALS. THE LONGER SUCH MEASURES ARE DELAYED, THE GREATER THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE MORE LIKELY IT IS THAT IRREPARABLE HARM WILL BE DONE TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.

THE PROVINCES OF CANADA AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST JOIN FORCES, JUST AS CANADA MUST CO-OPERATE WITH OTHER NATIONS OF THE WORLD, TO CONTROL POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT. POLLUTANTS DO NOT RESPECT POLITICAL BOUNDARIES OR JURISDICTIONS. THE PROBLEM MUST BE ATTENDED TO AT ALL GOVERNMENT LEVELS … LOCAL, PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL AND THERE MUST BE FULLEST CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THEM-

WE CANNOT, EVEN IN THE LESSER DEVELOPED AREAS OF CANADA, RUSH FORWARD WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT REGARD FOR PROTECTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT. I AM SURE THAT ALL PROVINCES WOULD ACCEPT THE PROPOSITION THAT, AS THE PEOPLE OF CANADA INCREASE THEIR AWARENESS OF THE PERILS OF POLLUTION, IT WILL BE POLITICALLY FEASIBLE TO INTRODUCE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS.

NOVA SCOTIA WISHES TO EMPHASIZE THAT ONE OF THE PRIORITIES THAT MUST BE ACCEPTED IS THE REDUCTION OF ECONOMIC

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DISPARITY BETWEEN THE VARIOUS AREAS OF CANADA. THE PROVINCES MUST HAVE, IN NEW CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, SUFFICIENT REVENUES WITHIN THEIR CONTROL TO BE ABLE TO MEET THE COSTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

THE GOVERNMENT OF NOVA SCOTIA SUGGESTS THAT THERE SHOULD BE PROVISION TO INSURE EQUALIZATION OF PROVINCIAL REVENUES, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL REVENUES.

FURTHER, WE TAKE THE POSITION THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO HAVE THE POWER TO EQUALIZE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN ALL REGIONS OF CANADA.

WHILE THE INSERTION OE A “POLITICAL OBLIGATION“ IN THE CONSTITUTION TO REDUCE ECONOMIC DISPARITIES BETWEEN VARIOUS REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY DOES NOT HAVE THE EFFECT OF PUTTING PROGRAMS INTO MOTION WHICH WILL ACTUALLY ACHIEVE THAT OBJECTIVE, WE CONSIDER THAT REFERENCE TO THE OBLIGATION IN THE CONSTITUTION WOULD CONSTITUTE A REMINDER TO FUTURE GOVERNMENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERCOMING REGIONAL DISPARITY IN THIS COUNTRY.

IN THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR ECONOMY, UNEMPLOYMENT HAS REACHED A LEVEL WHERE IT IS OF CONCERN ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IN THE LESSER DEVELOPED REGIONS OF CANADA, HIGHER THAN AVERAGE LEVELS OF UNEMPLOYMENT HAVE LONG BEEN A FACT OF LIFE AND WHEN THE GENERAL LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT INCREASES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THE PROBLEM IN PROVINCES SUCH AS NOVA SCOTIA IS MAGNIFIED.

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THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA MUST WORK TOGETHER TO DEVISE MORE EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DEALING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT.

THE PROBLEM HAS TWO DIMENSIONS. FIRST, THERE ARE SHORT RUN REQUIREMENTS FOR MEETING THE IMMEDIATE SITUATION. WE ARE ANXIOUS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN EFFORTS TO OFFSET THE HARDSHIP IN UNEMPLOYMENT NOW PREVAILING IN OUR ECONOMY.

THE SECOND DIMENSION IS THAT OF FINDING BETTER INSTRUMENTS TO AVOID INCREASES IN UNEMPLOYMENT BEYOND MINIMUM LEVELS WHICH WE MIGHT REASONABLY ANTICIPATE OR, TO STATE THE PROPOSITION IN POSITIVE TERMS, TO DEVELOP INSTRUMENTS TO ENABLE US TO ACHIEVE A “FULL EMPLOYMENT” ECONOMY.

WE BELIEVE A THOROUGH EXAMINATION MUST BE MADE OF PRESENT INSTITUTIONS WHICH FIND OR CREATE EMPLOYMENT FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT. WE MUST ALSO EXAMINE SUCH QUESTIONS AS THE ROLE WHICH ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY, AND THE TAXATION SYSTEM CAN OR SHOULD PLAY TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT.

THE QUESTION OE BOUNDARIES AND CONTROL OVER RESOURCES IS FUNDAMENTAL AND, IN THE CONTEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL DISCUSSION IS SIGNIFICANT IN DETERMINING THE NATURE OF THE CANADIAN CONFEDERATION.

THE POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NOVA SCOTIA WITH RESPECT TO OWNERSHIP OF AND CONTROL OVER THE MINERAL RESOURCES IN OFFSHORE WATERS IS WELL KNOWN. WE ARE CURRENTLY DISCUSSING

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THAT MATTER WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND I DO NOT PROPOSE TO MAKE FURTHER COMMENT ON IT AT THIS TIME.

ONE FURTHER QUESTION WHICH MUST BE RECOGNIZED AS AFFECTING BOTH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PROVINCES IS THE DETERMINATION OF PROVINCIAL BOUNDARIES AND THE POSITION OF THE TERRITORIES.

WITH RESPECT TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORIES OF CANADA, NOVA SCOTIA SUBMITS THAT THEY ARE THE PROPERTY OF ALL CANADIANS AND THAT NO DISPOSITION OR ARRANGEMENTS AFFECTING THESE LANDS SHOULD BE MADE UNILATERALLY BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WE CONSIDER THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST SEEK AGREEMENT WITH THE PROVINCES IN RELATION TO THE LONG TERM DESTINIES OF THESE TERRITORIES.

MR. CHAIRMAN, MAY I COMMENT ON THE FURTHER MATTER OF THE REFORM OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA. WE RESPECT AND SUPPORT THE CONCERN OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC REGARDING THE POSITION OF THAT COURT ON MATTERS ARISING UNDER THE CIVIL CODE OF QUEBEC.

THE COURT WHICH DECIDES CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS MUST HAVE THE CONFIDENCE OF ALL PARTIES WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE DECISIONS, AND CERTAIN MEASURES OUGHT TO BE TAKEN TO DEVELOP THAT CONFIDENCE.

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I WILL NOT TAKE THE TIME NOW TO OUTLINE THE VIEWS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NOVA SCOTIA ON OTHER ISSUES. AS THEY ARISE IN THE COURSE OF DISCUSSION, I HOPE THAT MY COLLEAGUES AND I WILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEBATE.

OUR CONCERN AT THE MOMENT IS THAT WE REACH AGREEMENT ON THE PATRIATION OF THE CANADIAN CONSTITUTION AND THE AMENDING FORMULA. WE CONSIDER THESE TO BE PREREQUISITES TO ANY REAL PROGRESS IN THE PROCESS OF CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW.

— Remarks —
Hon. W. Ross Thatcher
Premier of Saskatchewan

UNEMPLOYMENT

Mr. Prime Minister

As everyone at this Conference knows, unemployment in Canada has grown to unacceptable proportions.

while the rate of unemployment in Saskatchewan is not as high as exists in most other provinces, the situation is still acute.

The slowdown in Saskatchewan economic activity was precipitated by the terrible crisis of our agricultural economy, as a result of extremely low grain sales in the export market.

Coupled with our problems in agriculture, our construction industry faced a bleak year as major construction projects such as the pulp mill and potash mines were completed.

Also, as our population levelled off and actually declined, the demand for residential housing dwindled to the point where housing starts have been most discouraging.

These factors have spread through to the service industries, and virtually every sector of our economy has been affected. The net result is that we are currently facing a level of unemployment which can only be termed as “unacceptable” to our people.

In recent years, as elsewhere in the world, the trend toward larger farms has continued apace.

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During the period of expansion, our province’s economy was able to absorb those individuals who left the agricultural sector to seek employment elsewhere in our economy.

However, this was not the case in 1970.

As a result, we have experienced a decline in population as our residents sought employment in other provinces.

The trend is now reversing itself, as our people find the employment situation in other provinces often worse than that which exists in Saskatchewan.

Thus many are now returning to Saskatchewan.

OUR GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES SHOULD JOIN WITH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS IN AN ALL OUT WAR AGAINST UNEMPLOYMENT.

Such a campaign should be waged on an immediate emergency basis.

We all recognize that there is no easy solution.

However, it is inconceivable that a nation with the wealth and resources of Canada, should have so many workers out of jobs.

Surely this matter should be given top priority by all governments in the months ahead.

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As in other jurisdictions Saskatchewan has already taken some major steps.

1. We have embarked upon a crash public works program which now exceeds 17 million dollars. We continue to seek additional practical projects.

2. We have commenced giving $500 grants on any new homes which are commenced.

3. We are making every effort to encourage expansion in the private sector.

We think we are on the verge of obtaining 2 mammoth projects — a pulp mill at Meadow Lake, and a uranium refinery at Wollaston Lake.

4. We have set up a revolving municipal loan fund to help local governments finance municipal projects.

However, we realize that the action which a provincial government can take to combat unemployment is limited.

The federal authorities control international trade — they control fiscal policies — they control interest rates.

We are aware that Ottawa has recently taken some action which may ultimately alleviate the problem.

However in the short run, few immediate improvements are obvious.

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– Federal Loan Program —

The federal government recently announced a loan program to help provincial governments. Probably it will be most helpful to Quebec and even to the Maritimes.

But that program will be less than useless to Saskatchewan — since our province has no problem borrowing money.

In passing we cannot help but note that the percentage of total funds proposed for Saskatchewan, was much less than our fair share.

— Federal Public Works —

Our understanding is that Ottawa recently announced a new $103 million program of public works and additional manpower training services.

When related to the terrible needs of the nation, with respect may I say that such a program in our opinion is completely inadequate.

Again we note with dismay -— that Saskatchewan’s share of this program was $430,000 in special manpower training services, and virtually nothing in accelerated public works — well below 1% of the total share.

Our people sometimes wonder if Ottawa realizes that Saskatchewan is still a part of Confederation.

Mr. Prime Minister again I emphasize that Saskatchewan has no easy solution to unemployment. I don’t think there are any easy answers.

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But surely the 11 governments represented around this table should be able to formulate some policies which would be helpful.

Our people must look to Ottawa for leadership. Co—operative courses of action must be found and adopted which will immediately stimulate the economy and create jobs now.

Saskatchewan suggests a few steps which could be examined:

1) A massive and meaningful crash public works program by all eleven governments and particularly by Ottawa.

2) Immediate withdrawal of the sales tax on building materials at both federal and provincial levels.

3) Immediate withdrawl of the federal 3% temporary surcharge on personal and corporate income tax.

4) An extension of the Designated Area Legislation to include additional hard-pressed areas.

5) Temporary extension of the Unemployment Insurance Commission Benefits.

6) Finally we believe that any contemplated tax increases which may be proposed in the White Paper should be dropped.

This document has created an economic atmosphere in the business world which is causing major concern.

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Assurances should be given immediately that tax increases in the White Paper, will not further hinder business expansion.

Mr. Prime Minister -— our government believes that unemployment — not the Constitution is the number one problem — facing this nation.

Jobs are needed not next June or July — but now.

Let us try to find an emergency approach by all eleven governments, which will combat this cancerous Canadian crisis — without procrastination.

– Remarks —
Honourable W. Ross Thatcher
Premier of Saskatchewan.

A CANADIAN COMMON MARKET

One of the most fundamental aspects of a Confederation is the establishment of a free trade area.

Accordingly, under the constitution, the Federal Government was given responsibility for governing interprovincial trade.

Provinces were prohibited from restricting the interprovincial movement of goods through the use of trade barriers. The wisdom of the founding fathers is indisputable on this matter.

However, in 1971, we find ourselves in the unbelievable situation where provincial government bodies are restricting the movement of agricultural products from one province to another.

The so-called chicken-and—egg war commenced early in 1969, and has become progressively worse.

Since that time, poultry and egg marketing boards in most provinces have responded with restrictions.

This is not the time to point the finger of blame.

However, it is obvious that a solution must be found, or the whole nation will find itself in an impossible position.

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Unless action is taken — the so—called chicken—and—egg war could grow into a much broader national problem with un- precedented ramifications on other products such as sugar, fish and petroleum.

Already there are indications of other commodity groups requesting similar restrictions.

I say that these regulations undermine a basic principle of Confederation and must be ended.

I urge the l0 provincial governments sitting around this table, to repeal all legislation or regulations which impair the interprovincial movement of poultry products.

If such co—operation is not forthcoming, then I believe it is the duty of federal authorities to iniate effective action.

Moreover, I believe Parliament should take whatever steps are necessary to prevent this situation from re—occurring.

Our Government is willing to act tomorrow to wipe out any barriers our legislation imposes on such interprovincial movements — provided other provinces are willing to do likewise.

X X X X

But in my opinion the main responsibility to end this impossible situation must lie with the federal government.

Saskatchewan asks for action now.

– Remarks –
Honourable W. Ross Thatcher
Premier of Saskatchewan.

– FEDERAL PUBLIC WORKS –

– FEDERAL INCENTIVE GRANTS –

Mr. Prime Minister

Let me first of all express enthusiasm for such federal programs as the Designated Area legislation, and more recently, an accelerated Public Works Program designed to create jobs for the unemployed.

I have no argument with the stated intentions of these programs.

But our province is gravely concerned with their application.

Public Works

At a previous Constitutional Conference, I presented evidence that showed Saskatchewan was to receive Federal Public works programs in 1970-71 amounting to only —— 48¢ per capita, compared to an average of ———————————— $3.59 in the rest of Canada.

Since that time, as nearly as we can ascertain an additional $l03 million has been announced by Ottawa for Public Works, in an attempt to create jobs for unemployed persons. Are you aware, Mr. Prime Minister, that Saskatchewan to receive less than ——————————— 1.6% of the total.

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It is my duty to tell you that in these programs, you are continuing to overlook the prairies — and particularly Saskatchewan.

Our appeals in this regard, for the most part continue to fall on deaf ears.

We understand the terrible necessity of giving major assistance in public works to Quebec.

But Saskatchewan is also a province in Confederation. We ask for our fair share of federal projects.

We assume that the federal government does not purposely wish to discriminate against the unemployed people in Saskatchewan.

As in other parts of Canada, Saskatchewan has a dismaying number of unemployed.

Also to be counted are those who have left the province in the last year in search of employment, as well as those that are underemployed on our farms.

Mr. Prime Minister, our situation is serious.

The Saskatchewan Government has done its part in announcing accelerated Public Works programs amounting to about $17 million at this date.

I again appeal to you Sir, to review your priorities, and determine whether additional federal Works Projects cannot be found for Saskatchewan.

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Department of Regional Expansion

Saskatchewan is even more concerned over the small share of economic grants which we are receiving under the Designated Area legislation.

The grant offers made to companies from the start of the program until the end of November, l970, show that of the $93.5 million of grants made, less than ————————————$4 million went to firms situated in Saskatchewan.

Moreover in this period of economic crisis, we are disconcerted by the slow speed at which applications are processed.

As at January 1st, Saskatchewan had at least 13 applications before the department for consideration.

A substantial number of these applications had been sent to Ottawa months ago.

Additional Areas

Once again, Mr. Prime Minister, Saskatchewan ask that additional areas in our province be designated.

Cities like North Battleford, Prince Albert, Yorkton, Melville and many others find it grossly unfair that they are unable to receive federal grants.

speaking in the House of Commons on December 3rd last, the Finance Minister mentioned that additional areas in Ontario and Quebec would begin qualifying for assistance.

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May I on behalf of our people request similar treatment.

Regardless of how sound the incentive grants are in principle — more and more people in my province are querying the small proportion which are coming to Saskatchewan.

Mr. Prime Minister, we ask for our fair share of dollars under the incentive program — no more— but surely no less.

– Remarks –
Honourable W. Ross Thatcher
Premier of Saskatchewan.

SOCIAL POLICY

The Government of Saskatchewan holds rather strong views on this subject.

We must comment on the proposal put forward by the Province of Quebec.

Our understanding of Quebec’s proposition is that any area of social policy should be a provincial responsibility.

It would place within provincial jurisdicition such matters as income securitY, (including Old Age Pensions, Unemployment Insurance, Family Allowances, etc.), health care, manpower training, justice, and housing.

In other words Quebec as we see it, is asking for the best of both worlds.

While they want the Federal Government to finance all these social programs, they wish to disburse the services on a provincial basis, using their own criteria.

If this proposal were adopted, it would appear that the functionsfinancial abilities of the Federal Government would be emasculated.

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Federal powers to combat regional disparities would be virtually eliminated.

Federal ability to combat recessions and unemployment would largely disappear.

If adopted, the Federal government would be the tax collector, the supplier of national defence, the overseer of trade policy, and little else.

Such a concept does not conform with our view of a meaningful Confederation.

We in Saskatchewan believe that in these critical times, a strong central government is required with adequate economic powers to cope with national problems.

If Quebec persists with the demands she is making today, perhaps she should become a separate nation.

Because if Ottawa gave up the powers requested, Saskatchewan believes that Confederation could not continue to operate in an effective way.

Our province will never willingly agree to these proposals.