NDP Trade Critic Aleana Young says since November 2018, Saskatchewan has spent $232,341 on six government trade delegations to India. Two were led by Premier Scott Moe and two each by Agriculture Minister David Marit and Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison.

Premier Scott Moe is spending this week in India to promote trade opportunities and attract investment. He will also address a conference in New Delhi that discusses global issues. The speech is expected to focus on Saskatchewan’s sustainable agricultural practices.

NDP Trade Critic Aleana Young says the government spends one million dollars on a trade office in India to cut down on expensive foreign travel.

“A third trip to India sends the wrong message when we have so many problems in our backyard,” Young said in a news release.

India is an important export market for Saskatchewan with trade valued at $1.3 billion last year, or 26 per cent of the Canadian total. Saskatchewan’s largest exports were lentils, potash, wood pulp, peas and non-durum wheat.

On social media, Premier Moe defended the trip, stating, "In 2023, SK exports to India totalled over $1.3 billion. My job as Premier is to ensure we maintain and expand those markets and protect the thousands of SK jobs that rely on exports. That's why I'm in India this week."

with files from Discover Humboldt Staff