The Saskatchewan NDP is raising questions about the Sask. Party’s involvement with a U.S. rubber recycling company that was awarded a contract previously held by a local Saskatchewan business. Former Sask. Party Finance Minister Kevin Doherty was hired as a lobbyist by the U.S. company, which later won the contract that had been held by Shercom Industries, a Saskatchewan business. The NDP is concerned about the loss of jobs and market opportunities for local businesses, as well as the potential connections between the Sask. Party and the U.S. company.
Shercom Industries, which had been handling tire recycling in the province, was forced to shut down its processing plant and lay off over 60 workers after losing the contract to the American firm. Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck raised concerns about the decision to award the contract to an American company when a Saskatchewan-based business was already handling the work. She pointed to the fact that Doherty had been hired as a lobbyist by the U.S. company and questioned the Premier’s involvement in the decision-making process.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe denied meeting with Doherty regarding the contract and stated that the American company did not bid on the request for proposal (RFP). However, the NDP is calling for more transparency and accountability in the process, as well as an explanation from the Premier about the decision to award the contract to the U.S. company. The Chamber of Commerce CEO also expressed concerns about the implications of the deal on the local economy and job market.
NDP MLA Meara Conway highlighted a pattern of behavior by the Sask. Party in awarding contracts to companies with connections to its inner circle. She pointed to other examples of sweetheart deals, such as contracts awarded to Canadian Surgical Solutions in Calgary for medical procedures. Conway called for more transparency in the process and raised questions about the potential bias in the request for proposal that appeared to favor a specific company. The NDP is pushing for accountability and oversight in government contracts to ensure fairness and transparency in the bidding process.
Overall, the Saskatchewan NDP is raising concerns about the connections between the Sask. Party and a U.S. rubber recycling company that was awarded a contract previously held by a local Saskatchewan business. The loss of jobs and market opportunities for local companies, as well as the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, have prompted calls for more accountability and oversight in government contracts. The NDP is urging the Premier to address these concerns and provide an explanation for the decision to award the contract to the American company. The Chamber of Commerce also expressed worries about the impact of the deal on the local economy and job market, further emphasizing the need for transparency and fair practices in government contracts.
