(SASKATOON, SK) Many of the province’s businesses and agriculture leaders gathered for an evening of networking and relationship building to listen to broadcaster, author and political commentator Rex Murphy. His insightful and often polarizing views made for an exciting evening as he discussed Canadian political challenges and opportunities facing modern business in this current environment.
“Things are upside down,” Murphy stated, referring to a political structure in which problems closer to the centre of the country receive disproportionately more attention than other areas. It was the “fundamental industries” such as energy, forestry and agriculture that have built Canada into the prosperous country it is today. “It’s time to put the backbone of this country on at least the same level as the next bike path in Toronto,” he said.
This inertia or myopia on the part of Canada’s leaders is contributing to a widening gap between east and west in our country. Despite this, he said, “the common threads of Canadian experience are as strong as ever,” describing the similarities between Prairie farmers and Newfoundland fishermen, Alberta oil workers and Atlantic biscuit-makers. He urged attendees not to “carelessly throw away a nation which is among the best in the world…This is how we can renew the confederation—and it has always been this way: to work together on a common project.”
The event was organized by the NSBA, Saskatoon’s business association, and Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan (FFC SK), an organization representing the province’s agriculture and food industry. This was the second time the NSBA and Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan partnered to host an event after last year’s well-received An Evening with Brad Wall.
“Obviously, agriculture is a critical business sector in our province,” said Keith Moen, Executive Director of the NSBA, which represents more than 800 businesses. “It’s a natural collaboration for our two organizations to work together.”
“In addition to presenting a thought-provoking speaker, this event has been successful in developing the relationship between our two groups and our members,” said Clinton Monchuk, Executive Director of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan.
For more information contact:
Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan
Clinton Monchuk
Executive Director
Direct: 306-341-4750
clinton@farmfoodcaresk.org
NSBA
Keith Moen
Executive Director
Direct: 306-242-3060
keith.moen@nsbasask.com
Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Backgrounder
Today, less than 3% of Canadians have a direct connection to the farm, which is one reason why so many have questions about how their food is produced. Farm & Food Care works to address consumer questions and inspire more confidence in our farmers and in Saskatchewan-grown foods. To learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. More details available at www.farmfoodcaresk.org. Or let us put you in touch with a farmer so you can ask them directly about the food on your table!
NSBA Backgrounder
The NSBA is a member-driven and focused business association in Saskatoon that serves, promotes and protects business throughout Saskatoon and beyond. The NSBA recently rebranded to be known simply by its acronym – NSBA – to reflect its current membership which has grown considerably beyond Saskatoon’s north end. The NSBA has developed its mandate and reputation by being a relevant, topical and effective organization that interacts with all levels of government and industry on a variety of issues for the betterment of our local economy. See nsbasask.com