Ty Thiessen 🌾
@tythiessen.bsky.social
Learning the Art of Public Finance at U of S 🌾 | Commerce Student | Fiscal Policy | Legal Research #skpoli
Pinned
Ty Thiessen 🌾
@tythiessen.bsky.social
· Sep 8
Opinion: Saskatchewan's tax structure discourages growth
Saskatchewan cannot continue to discourage growth through its tax structure.
thestarphoenix.com
For decades, tax policy in #Saskatchewan has deterred new investment and driven thousands of young workers to leave.
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
My latest:
“If we continue to resort to tax incrementalism and government spending as the solutions to our economic woes, we will continue to watch the promise of a prosperous future slip away.”
#skpoli #cdnpoli #sask
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
“If we continue to resort to tax incrementalism and government spending as the solutions to our economic woes, we will continue to watch the promise of a prosperous future slip away.”
#skpoli #cdnpoli #sask
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
Opinion: Innovative tax systems an opportunity for Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has an opportunity to develop a tax environment that rewards businesses for investing in wages, jobs and capital.
thestarphoenix.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:53 AM
My latest:
“If we continue to resort to tax incrementalism and government spending as the solutions to our economic woes, we will continue to watch the promise of a prosperous future slip away.”
#skpoli #cdnpoli #sask
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
“If we continue to resort to tax incrementalism and government spending as the solutions to our economic woes, we will continue to watch the promise of a prosperous future slip away.”
#skpoli #cdnpoli #sask
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
#Saskatchewan’s provincial government has enjoyed bragging of job growth.
Almost all of this “growth” has been in the public sector, at the expense of taxpayers.
August marked the highest public sector share of total employment in #Sask data history.
This cannot be sustained.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
Almost all of this “growth” has been in the public sector, at the expense of taxpayers.
August marked the highest public sector share of total employment in #Sask data history.
This cannot be sustained.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
September 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
#Saskatchewan’s provincial government has enjoyed bragging of job growth.
Almost all of this “growth” has been in the public sector, at the expense of taxpayers.
August marked the highest public sector share of total employment in #Sask data history.
This cannot be sustained.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
Almost all of this “growth” has been in the public sector, at the expense of taxpayers.
August marked the highest public sector share of total employment in #Sask data history.
This cannot be sustained.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
For decades, tax policy in #Saskatchewan has deterred new investment and driven thousands of young workers to leave.
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
Opinion: Saskatchewan's tax structure discourages growth
Saskatchewan cannot continue to discourage growth through its tax structure.
thestarphoenix.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:07 AM
For decades, tax policy in #Saskatchewan has deterred new investment and driven thousands of young workers to leave.
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
For decades, tax policy in #Saskatchewan has deterred new investment and driven thousands of young workers to leave.
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
Opinion: Saskatchewan's tax structure discourages growth
Saskatchewan cannot continue to discourage growth through its tax structure.
thestarphoenix.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:07 AM
For decades, tax policy in #Saskatchewan has deterred new investment and driven thousands of young workers to leave.
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
We can’t afford to continue down this path.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
My latest column explores these issues, and provides a potential solution:
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
If spending had grown with inflation and population growth since Premier Moe took office, #Saskatchewan would have spent over $2.3 B less in 2024.
That’s enough to cut PST by nearly 75%
And yet, services haven’t improved.
This is the definition of managerial failure.
#skpoli #Sask #cdnpoli
That’s enough to cut PST by nearly 75%
And yet, services haven’t improved.
This is the definition of managerial failure.
#skpoli #Sask #cdnpoli
August 18, 2025 at 7:09 PM
If spending had grown with inflation and population growth since Premier Moe took office, #Saskatchewan would have spent over $2.3 B less in 2024.
That’s enough to cut PST by nearly 75%
And yet, services haven’t improved.
This is the definition of managerial failure.
#skpoli #Sask #cdnpoli
That’s enough to cut PST by nearly 75%
And yet, services haven’t improved.
This is the definition of managerial failure.
#skpoli #Sask #cdnpoli
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
It’s clear as day that the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project is a bad deal for #Saskatchewan taxpayers. Over $2 billion in costs for the WIRP at a total best-case tax return of under $600 million is an egregious loss.
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
January 3, 2025 at 6:13 PM
It’s clear as day that the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project is a bad deal for #Saskatchewan taxpayers. Over $2 billion in costs for the WIRP at a total best-case tax return of under $600 million is an egregious loss.
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
“It’s time for #Saskatchewan to step up to the plate and face the challenges of the day. Budget 2025 is an embarrassment for this province. Let’s not let the rest of this session be the same.”
#skpoli
#Sask budget leaves province perilously unprepared
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
#skpoli
#Sask budget leaves province perilously unprepared
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Saskatchewan's budget leaves province perilously unprepared
Saskatchewan's recent budget is built on egregious assumptions and without the same contingency for the effect of tariffs as other provinces.
thestarphoenix.com
March 28, 2025 at 3:20 PM
“It’s time for #Saskatchewan to step up to the plate and face the challenges of the day. Budget 2025 is an embarrassment for this province. Let’s not let the rest of this session be the same.”
#skpoli
#Sask budget leaves province perilously unprepared
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
#skpoli
#Sask budget leaves province perilously unprepared
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
#Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter says his 2025 budget ensures that #Sask is the most affordable for starting a business.
#Sask has the third highest marginal tax on investment in #Canada, the highest on oil and gas, and the world’s least competitive royalty for potash.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
#Sask has the third highest marginal tax on investment in #Canada, the highest on oil and gas, and the world’s least competitive royalty for potash.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
March 25, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
The motion condemns Trump for proposing to annex Canada and imposing tariffs and does not support Canada putting export tariffs on Canadian resources.
The motion passes. #skpoli
The motion passes. #skpoli
March 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The motion condemns Trump for proposing to annex Canada and imposing tariffs and does not support Canada putting export tariffs on Canadian resources.
The motion passes. #skpoli
The motion passes. #skpoli
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
Please check out @tythiessen.bsky.social’s break down of the SaskParty Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Debacle on @tammyrobert.bsky.social’s podcast.
#skpoli
tammyrobert.substack.com/p/pipe-to-pi...
#skpoli
tammyrobert.substack.com/p/pipe-to-pi...
Pipe To Pivot: Dismantling the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Debacle, Chapter 1
With Tammy Robert & Ty Thiessen. Produced by Paul Dechene.
tammyrobert.substack.com
February 2, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Please check out @tythiessen.bsky.social’s break down of the SaskParty Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Debacle on @tammyrobert.bsky.social’s podcast.
#skpoli
tammyrobert.substack.com/p/pipe-to-pi...
#skpoli
tammyrobert.substack.com/p/pipe-to-pi...
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
New Saskatchewan Survivor's Guide in which Tammy & I talk w/ economics brain-haver @tythiessen.bsky.social about the Westside Diefenbaker Irrigation Project. That'd be the Sask Party's newest mega-project & soon-to-be next billion-dollar boondoogle.
Saskatchewan Survival Guide: Ep 128
We talked the Westside Diefenbaker Irrigation project with special guest and agriculture economist wunderkind Ty Thiessen.
substack.com
January 21, 2025 at 1:15 AM
New Saskatchewan Survivor's Guide in which Tammy & I talk w/ economics brain-haver @tythiessen.bsky.social about the Westside Diefenbaker Irrigation Project. That'd be the Sask Party's newest mega-project & soon-to-be next billion-dollar boondoogle.
Perhaps what strikes me most about #Saskatchewan’s Government is that they’re willing to spend at least $1,000 per taxpayer to support less than 1% of #Sask producers, but they refuse to oppose the Bunge-Viterra Merger which will cost producers $770 million per year.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
#skpoli #cdnpoli
January 9, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Perhaps what strikes me most about #Saskatchewan’s Government is that they’re willing to spend at least $1,000 per taxpayer to support less than 1% of #Sask producers, but they refuse to oppose the Bunge-Viterra Merger which will cost producers $770 million per year.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
#skpoli #cdnpoli
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
U of S ag economics associate prof Tristan Skolrud at 27:20. You won't regret listening to his take which is expands upon what Ty Thiessen has posted here.
Ask yourselves why are we spending this money for so little in return? #skpoli #saskatchewan
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8_h...
Ask yourselves why are we spending this money for so little in return? #skpoli #saskatchewan
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8_h...
Is the Diefenbaker irrigation project worth the cost?
YouTube video by CBC News Saskatchewan
www.youtube.com
January 9, 2025 at 3:41 AM
U of S ag economics associate prof Tristan Skolrud at 27:20. You won't regret listening to his take which is expands upon what Ty Thiessen has posted here.
Ask yourselves why are we spending this money for so little in return? #skpoli #saskatchewan
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8_h...
Ask yourselves why are we spending this money for so little in return? #skpoli #saskatchewan
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8_h...
The Diefenbaker Irrigation Project shortchanges #Sask by billions in costs and hampered growth.
The @SKGov is far better off investing in R+D, which can benefit all producers.
My latest:
#Saskatchewan's $1.2B irrigation project fails any economic test
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
The @SKGov is far better off investing in R+D, which can benefit all producers.
My latest:
#Saskatchewan's $1.2B irrigation project fails any economic test
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Saskatchewan's $1.2B irrigation project fails any economic test
Saskatchewan's plan to spend $1.15 billion on the Diefenbaker irrigation project to benefit a small group of farmers fails any cost-benefit analysis.
thestarphoenix.com
January 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Diefenbaker Irrigation Project shortchanges #Sask by billions in costs and hampered growth.
The @SKGov is far better off investing in R+D, which can benefit all producers.
My latest:
#Saskatchewan's $1.2B irrigation project fails any economic test
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
The @SKGov is far better off investing in R+D, which can benefit all producers.
My latest:
#Saskatchewan's $1.2B irrigation project fails any economic test
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
2024 was a year of exceptional people, hard work and learning a lot. I’m honoured to start this year as the MLA for Stonebridge. 2024 will be tough to beat but we’re sure going to try!
#saskNDP #Saskatoon
#saskNDP #Saskatoon
January 3, 2025 at 8:46 PM
2024 was a year of exceptional people, hard work and learning a lot. I’m honoured to start this year as the MLA for Stonebridge. 2024 will be tough to beat but we’re sure going to try!
#saskNDP #Saskatoon
#saskNDP #Saskatoon
It’s clear as day that the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project is a bad deal for #Saskatchewan taxpayers. Over $2 billion in costs for the WIRP at a total best-case tax return of under $600 million is an egregious loss.
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
January 3, 2025 at 6:13 PM
It’s clear as day that the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project is a bad deal for #Saskatchewan taxpayers. Over $2 billion in costs for the WIRP at a total best-case tax return of under $600 million is an egregious loss.
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
But it’s also a bad deal for #Sask producers.
#skpoli 🧵
My latest column in the StarPhoenix and Leader-Post:
Opinion: Forecasts show #Sask economic strategy is failing
#Saskatchewan's lagging economy can be traced to its ongoing maintenance of one of the most inefficient and distortionary tax regimes in the country.
leaderpost.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Forecasts show #Sask economic strategy is failing
#Saskatchewan's lagging economy can be traced to its ongoing maintenance of one of the most inefficient and distortionary tax regimes in the country.
leaderpost.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Forecasts show Saskatchewan’s economic strategy is failing
Saskatchewan's lagging economy can be traced to its ongoing maintenance of one of the most inefficient and distortionary tax regimes in the country.
leaderpost.com
December 13, 2024 at 3:54 PM
My latest column in the StarPhoenix and Leader-Post:
Opinion: Forecasts show #Sask economic strategy is failing
#Saskatchewan's lagging economy can be traced to its ongoing maintenance of one of the most inefficient and distortionary tax regimes in the country.
leaderpost.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Forecasts show #Sask economic strategy is failing
#Saskatchewan's lagging economy can be traced to its ongoing maintenance of one of the most inefficient and distortionary tax regimes in the country.
leaderpost.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
Excellent analysis of the weaknesses in Saskatchewan govt’s economic strategy & 3 major changes in strategy to improve economic growth. #skpoli
Between 2015 and 2023, the #Saskatchewan economy grew at the second slowest rate in Canada, 0.7% per year. That’s last place in western Canada, half the rate of Manitoba, and a full 1.4 points per year under the national average. #skpoli /2
December 8, 2024 at 4:54 AM
Excellent analysis of the weaknesses in Saskatchewan govt’s economic strategy & 3 major changes in strategy to improve economic growth. #skpoli
Lagging growth in #Saskatchewan is the result of the failed economic strategy of our government.
Our tax regime adds costs and risks for investors. Our buffet of grants and tax credits fails to produce growth. Tax reform across the board needs to be on the table.
#skpoli 🧵
Our tax regime adds costs and risks for investors. Our buffet of grants and tax credits fails to produce growth. Tax reform across the board needs to be on the table.
#skpoli 🧵
December 8, 2024 at 12:03 AM
Lagging growth in #Saskatchewan is the result of the failed economic strategy of our government.
Our tax regime adds costs and risks for investors. Our buffet of grants and tax credits fails to produce growth. Tax reform across the board needs to be on the table.
#skpoli 🧵
Our tax regime adds costs and risks for investors. Our buffet of grants and tax credits fails to produce growth. Tax reform across the board needs to be on the table.
#skpoli 🧵
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
Sask. Party government blocks NDP from calling former MLA to testify on hotel controversy
thestarphoenix.com/news/local-n...
thestarphoenix.com/news/local-n...
Sask. Party government blocks NDP from calling former MLA to testify on hotel controversy
A motion from the NDP Opposition failed in its bid to get former Sask. Party MLA Gary Grewal to appear as a witness before the assembly.
thestarphoenix.com
December 6, 2024 at 8:06 PM
Sask. Party government blocks NDP from calling former MLA to testify on hotel controversy
thestarphoenix.com/news/local-n...
thestarphoenix.com/news/local-n...
According to the Mid-Year Report of the Government of #Saskatchewan, weaker potash prices, and higher than “expected” agriculture expense related to crop insurance claims have more than doubled the deficit from the First Quarter to $734.50 million. #skpoli 🧵
December 2, 2024 at 3:56 AM
According to the Mid-Year Report of the Government of #Saskatchewan, weaker potash prices, and higher than “expected” agriculture expense related to crop insurance claims have more than doubled the deficit from the First Quarter to $734.50 million. #skpoli 🧵
Reposted by Ty Thiessen 🌾
During the 1993 election Chrétien (Liberal leader) promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Won the election in a landslide. Chretien failed to win concessions he promised to get in his election campaign, and in 1995 signed the agreement. So both Cons & Libs #cndpoli
November 26, 2024 at 3:09 PM
During the 1993 election Chrétien (Liberal leader) promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Won the election in a landslide. Chretien failed to win concessions he promised to get in his election campaign, and in 1995 signed the agreement. So both Cons & Libs #cndpoli
Brian Mulroney deserves credit for a small few things, like reducing our reliance on economically costly taxes on income by introducing the GST…but of the many policies he deserves the opposite of thanks for, NAFTA comes at the top of the list.
#cdnpoli #abpoli #skpoli 🧵
#cdnpoli #abpoli #skpoli 🧵
November 26, 2024 at 4:59 AM
In today’s throne speech, the Government of #Saskatchewan committed to “ensuring that its investments produce results”.
If this is an honest commitment, then the #Sask Party will commit to scrapping the WIRP, otherwise known as the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.
Here’s why:
#skpoli 🧵
If this is an honest commitment, then the #Sask Party will commit to scrapping the WIRP, otherwise known as the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.
Here’s why:
#skpoli 🧵
November 25, 2024 at 9:28 PM
In today’s throne speech, the Government of #Saskatchewan committed to “ensuring that its investments produce results”.
If this is an honest commitment, then the #Sask Party will commit to scrapping the WIRP, otherwise known as the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.
Here’s why:
#skpoli 🧵
If this is an honest commitment, then the #Sask Party will commit to scrapping the WIRP, otherwise known as the Diefenbaker Irrigation Project.
Here’s why:
#skpoli 🧵
The #Saskatchewan NDP’s response to scurvy in northern #sask is inappropriate, poor public policy, and a missed political opportunity.
Axing the gas tax will have no significant impact on food prices and will blow a major hole in the budget.
There are superior alternatives.
#skpoli 🧵
Axing the gas tax will have no significant impact on food prices and will blow a major hole in the budget.
There are superior alternatives.
#skpoli 🧵
November 20, 2024 at 1:19 AM
The #Saskatchewan NDP’s response to scurvy in northern #sask is inappropriate, poor public policy, and a missed political opportunity.
Axing the gas tax will have no significant impact on food prices and will blow a major hole in the budget.
There are superior alternatives.
#skpoli 🧵
Axing the gas tax will have no significant impact on food prices and will blow a major hole in the budget.
There are superior alternatives.
#skpoli 🧵