Someone Should Remind Billy Boyd That He Works For The People Of Saskatchewan Not PotashCorp

Mr Grumpy still has some explaining to do about his little Delisle road trip

During Question Period on March 8, 2011, Bob Bjornrud (minister of agriculture) was answering a question from the Opposition when Boyd interrupted him and jumped to his feet, sputtering what can only be described as an infomercial for PotashCorp. Problem is, Boyd isn't supposed to be so obvious that he is on a leash for the potash industry and does not actually represent the interests of Saskatchewan citizens.

For the record, here is Billy Boyd in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, March 8, 2011. (Talk about a pinata of crazy!)

Hon. Mr. Boyd: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to respond . . .
[Interjections]
The Speaker: — Order. Order. I.d ask . . . Order. I.d ask members to allow the Minister Responsible for Energy and Resources to respond.
Hon. Mr. Boyd: — I respond to the member opposite, the Leader of the Opposition, in terms of his thoughts about the $1.8 billion . . .
[Interjections]
The Speaker: — Order. I recognize the Minister of Energy and Resources.
Hon. Mr. Boyd: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respond to the Leader of the Opposition.s call about $1.8 billion of profits. First of all, Potash Corporation has three main areas of business. They have phosphorous, nitrogen, and potash. The first two, nitrogen and phosphorous, are not located in Saskatchewan. So of the $1.8 billion of profits, $1.2 billion is related to potash. So it.s $600 million . . .
[Interjections]
The Speaker: — Order. Order. It.s quite ironic that the members at least not allowing the guests and those who are trying to follow the debate to hear what the minister has to say. I recognize the minister.
Hon. Mr. Boyd: — So it.s $600 million right there less than what the Leader of the Opposition is quoting. He is saying it.s only $76.5 million in royalties. Well if he looks at the balance sheet of Potash Corporation, he would find that it.s much, much more than that if you just read a few lines further down on the balance sheet. If the Leader of the Opposition, the former oil lobbyist, would take a moment and read down a little bit further on the balance sheet, he would see that they paid, in addition to that, significant income taxes. When you total it all up, Mr. Speaker, on $1.2 billion of potash profits, they paid about $350 million. That.s what the real number is, and the Leader of the Opposition knows it full well.
[Interjections]

Too bad that none of the economists familiar with the potash industry agree with Mr. Boyd's figures. Someone should remind this very excitable minister that 'when you are esplainin' you are losin'. I'll drink to that!