Continued pressure

In case there was any doubt as to whether the Cons would be let off the hook for failing in their promises to Saskatchewan, Lorne Calvert is calling for Saskatchewan to receive a new "side deal" similar to those given to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland if the new equalization formula doesn't exclude resource revenue:

If the Harper government backs away from its election promise to remove oil revenue from the federal equalization formula, Saskatchewan wants a deal with Ottawa outside the program, Premier Lorne Calvert said Thursday.

Calvert said he is concerned by the Prime Minister's suggestion this week that changes to the revenue-sharing program may not be ready in time for the next budget.

"They're building a spring budget, we've had the assurance we're going to have it in this budget, then let's have it," Calvert said...

Until Thursday, Calvert hadn't publicly mentioned the idea of a side deal for Saskatchewan since the Conservatives came to power.

But with the lack of clarity from Ottawa, the premier said he wants to make sure his province is taken care of.

"We have lived with the unfairness of equalization for years," Calvert said. "Enough is enough already. We have a commitment."

Needless to say, the better result would be a full equalization program consistent with the Cons' platform, rather than having to resort to yet another round of ad hockery. But one way or another, Saskatchewan voters have a legitimate expectation of positive results from the Cons' promises. And if Harper doesn't have the political will to follow through fully on his commitments, then Calvert's call is for the next best thing.