Sask. NDP criticizes nearly $1 million spent on former Prime Minister's consulting firm
CTV
The Government of Saskatchewan has paid former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's consulting firm nearly $1 million over the past four years for trade advice. The opposition says it has been blocked while trying to gather more details on the contract.
The Government of Saskatchewan has paid former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s consulting firm nearly $1 million over the past four years for trade advice. The opposition says it has been blocked while trying to gather more details on the contract.
Harpers' name entered into debate during question period on Monday – as the Saskatchewan NDP criticized the performance of the provincial economy, citing recent numbers from Statistics Canada.
“For eleven consecutive months the value of merchandise exports in Saskatchewan has fallen year over year,” NDP MLA Aleana Young said during question period. “Job growth is anemic.”
According to Statistic’s Canada, Saskatchewan’s domestic exports averaged $3.7 billion per month from March 2024 to May 2023.
In the previous 11 month span, the province’s average monthly domestic exports were valued at around $5 billion.
The Saskatchewan NDP requested a copy of the $240,000 annual contract granted to the former prime minister's Calgary based consulting firm – Harper and Associates.
According to the document, the former PM is instructed to focus on four key areas. They include senior level trade advice, advice on international strategy, trade intelligence and investment attraction.