Swift Current MLA and Education Minister Everett Hindley sits between a Canadian and a Saskatchewan flag. (Photo courtesy of Everett Hindley via swiftcurrentonline.com)
Written by: David Zammit, SwiftCurrentOnline.com
Following Alberta’s recent referendum on whether to begin the process toward a future vote on separation, Education Minister Everett Hindley says Saskatchewan sees its future in a united Canada.
Unofficial results from Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum showed about 75 per cent of voters supported the neighbouring province remaining part of Canada, while 25 per cent favoured beginning the process toward a binding referendum on separation. The vote was not a direct decision on independence.
Hindley said the provincial government and the governing Saskatchewan Party see themselves as part of the fabric of Canada.
“I would say this, we do have, we’ve got a strong province, and I think that this is a government and a party that sees its place as part of Confederation,” he said. “That is the role that we have played for decades and continue to play within a strong and united Canada.”
Hindley said he believes Saskatchewan is the place to be in Canada right now, pointing to the province’s economic outlook and the opportunities outlined in the recent Speech from the Throne.
“I can’t think of another province that I’d rather be in at this point in time,” he said, pointing to the province’s current economic outlook.
One project Hindley highlighted was the artificial intelligence data centre being developed by Bell Canada south of Regina. The project has an estimated total capital investment of more than $50 billion, according to the provincial government, and is expected to establish a major AI infrastructure hub in the province.
Hindley said Saskatchewan wants to continue playing an active role in Confederation.
“We’re happy to play that role. We’re happy to be a leader when it comes to being one of the provinces and territories that are part of this country,” he said. “It’s something we take very seriously, and we want to make sure that we continue to do that to be a strong partner as part of this country.”
