Premier says province would consider selling SaskTel

Premier Brad Wall says the government would entertain an offer to buy SaskTel if one comes in.

Wall made Dustin Duncan the Minister of Energy and Resources in a cabinet shuffle Tuesday, but also gave him the portfolio for SaskTel.

Wall maintains no offer has come in, nor is the Crown operating with a ‘for sale’ sign on, but he believes Duncan would be a good person to lead that process should it happen.

The premier emphasized any serious offer for the Crown Corporation would be taken to the public for input.

“We may get an offer, as we’ve talked about in the past. And if we get an offer, and we think it’s one that generates a significant amount of money for the province – maybe enough to eliminate our operating debt, if it takes care of the jobs question in Regina, if it provides the opportunity for better coverage – we’re at least going to take it to the people,” Wall said.

A report released in June said the takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) by Bell poses serious risks to SaskTel, which faces competition from the three big national wireless companies.

New Health Minister to reduce number of health regions

Another cabinet minister who is expected to be in charge of some changes will be the new Minister of Health, Jim Reiter.

“Don’t expect any dramatic changes in policy or practices. Look more for – my goal is to continue with improvements and progression,” Reiter explained.

Reiter will face the task of reducing the number of health regions in the province. This is part of the plan for ‘transformational change’ introduced in the latest budget.

“This is all about… putting the patients first, we’re going to continue to do everything we can in that regard,” he said.

Reiter maintains he is ready for the stress that may come with handling the biggest portfolio in government.