| In November 1975, the Saskatchewan government announced that it would introduce legislation to enable it to acquire ownership of potash mines in the province by negotiation, if possible, but by expropriation, if necessary.;The New Democratic Party government, a left wing, democratic socialist political party led by Allan Blakeney, assumed office in 1971. Its resource policy placed more reliance on public revenues to secure benefits for the province rather than spin-offs from development, the previous emphasis. Taxation and limited participation in the industry were the principal means attempted. The existing private potash industry had great difficulty coping with and accepting the new approach due to its previous relatively comfortable governmental relationship and its philosophical outlook based on the tenets of capitalism, the intrinsic merits of private enterprise and a view of a limited role for government, essentially subordinate to the private sector.;Fundamental, long term issues inherent to Saskatchewan also helped set the stage for unfolding events. Saskatchewan's history of self-reliance in overcoming disadvantages, its ongoing political ferment with a constant left vs. right and socialist vs. capitalist struggle, plus harsh economic times led to parties across the political spectrum eagerly embracing the prospect of potash as the economic salvation for the struggling province.;The Saskatchewan government eventually used its ultimate authority when other options to achieve its objectives were blocked by both industry and federal actions. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).;Such a decision was not taken lightly and required careful preparation and full consideration of the consequences as well as the options. |
