NDP expresses worries over Sask. Party’s decision to grant tire-recycling contract to American company

The Saskatchewan NDP is raising concerns about the Sask. Party’s ties to a U.S. rubber recycling company that recently secured a contract previously held by a local Saskatchewan business. The NDP alleges that former Sask. Party Finance Minister Kevin Doherty was hired as a lobbyist by the American company, which later won the contract that was previously held by Shercom Industries, a Saskatchewan-based business specializing in tire recycling.

According to the NDP, Shercom Industries was forced to shut down its processing plant and lay off over 60 workers after losing the contract to the American firm in May of 2023. Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck criticized the decision to award the contract to an American company when a local business was already handling the work, calling it questionable.

Premier Scott Moe denied meeting with Doherty regarding the contract, but the NDP is demanding transparency and accountability from the government. Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Aebig expressed concerns about the impact of such decisions on the local economy, accusing the government of favoring business interests outside the province.

NDP MLA Meara Conway highlighted a pattern of the Sask. Party awarding contracts to companies linked to its inner circle, citing examples of contracts awarded to Canadian Surgical Solutions in Calgary. The opposition is calling for more transparency and fair competition in government contracts to prevent favoritism and ensure the best interests of Saskatchewan businesses and workers.