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...
“A simplified royalty on economic rents would help #Sask retain more potash wealth, while enhancing productivity, increasing investment, and reducing uncertainty for investment planning.”
#skpoli
No better time for potash royalty review in #Saskatchewan
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
#skpoli
No better time for potash royalty review in #Saskatchewan
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
Opinion: No better time for potash royalty review in Saskatchewan
Constraints have led the potash industry to support calls for a royalty review in the past.
thestarphoenix.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:32 PM
“A simplified royalty on economic rents would help #Sask retain more potash wealth, while enhancing productivity, increasing investment, and reducing uncertainty for investment planning.”
#skpoli
No better time for potash royalty review in #Saskatchewan
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/lett...
#skpoli
No better time for potash royalty review in #Saskatchewan
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...
Given that the dataset used (and listed) in the graphic spans nearly 600 months and covers every province, it was never going to be realistic for it to be broken down in granular detail.
However, other more recent annual datasets indicate that the bloat is largely in healthcare administration.
However, other more recent annual datasets indicate that the bloat is largely in healthcare administration.
September 9, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Given that the dataset used (and listed) in the graphic spans nearly 600 months and covers every province, it was never going to be realistic for it to be broken down in granular detail.
However, other more recent annual datasets indicate that the bloat is largely in healthcare administration.
However, other more recent annual datasets indicate that the bloat is largely in healthcare administration.
To be fair, and as the chart shows, the public sector share of employment did fall under Devine, and it was held flat under Wall. So both of those campaign promises were followed through upon by their respective proponents.
September 8, 2025 at 5:23 PM
To be fair, and as the chart shows, the public sector share of employment did fall under Devine, and it was held flat under Wall. So both of those campaign promises were followed through upon by their respective proponents.
#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...
I need to post on here more often. Will also be posting more on Facebook as well since it is by far the largest and most used platform in the province.
March 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM
I need to post on here more often. Will also be posting more on Facebook as well since it is by far the largest and most used platform in the province.
#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.
When BHP attempted to buy PCS in 2010, Premier @BradWall306 vociferously opposed the move, saying his government didn’t support BHP’s philosophy, which was in reality economics 101.
Today? Radio silence on an uncompetitive merger that will slam #sask grain farmers.
#skpoli #cdnpoli
Today? Radio silence on an uncompetitive merger that will slam #sask grain farmers.
#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
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 6:21 PM
The Diefenbaker Project makes sense for no one but a handful of landowners.
If #Saskatchewan is serious about supporting producers and delivering economic growth, the project should be scrapped.
Alternatives like R+D are far superior in all regards.
#skpoli end of 🧵
If #Saskatchewan is serious about supporting producers and delivering economic growth, the project should be scrapped.
Alternatives like R+D are far superior in all regards.
#skpoli end of 🧵
January 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The Diefenbaker Project makes sense for no one but a handful of landowners.
If #Saskatchewan is serious about supporting producers and delivering economic growth, the project should be scrapped.
Alternatives like R+D are far superior in all regards.
#skpoli end of 🧵
If #Saskatchewan is serious about supporting producers and delivering economic growth, the project should be scrapped.
Alternatives like R+D are far superior in all regards.
#skpoli end of 🧵
#Saskatchewan spends the least on research and development as a percentage of GDP in Canada.
If the province reversed that record, they could vastly expand economic output, advance the agriculture sector, support producers, and deliver returns for #Sask taxpayers.
#skpoli /14
If the province reversed that record, they could vastly expand economic output, advance the agriculture sector, support producers, and deliver returns for #Sask taxpayers.
#skpoli /14
January 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM
#Saskatchewan spends the least on research and development as a percentage of GDP in Canada.
If the province reversed that record, they could vastly expand economic output, advance the agriculture sector, support producers, and deliver returns for #Sask taxpayers.
#skpoli /14
If the province reversed that record, they could vastly expand economic output, advance the agriculture sector, support producers, and deliver returns for #Sask taxpayers.
#skpoli /14
Research and development is where subsidies make sense. Individual firms don’t capture substantial benefits from their own investments in R+D, creating a market failure where the #Saskatchewan Government can prudently take up the slack.
#skpoli /13
#skpoli /13
January 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Research and development is where subsidies make sense. Individual firms don’t capture substantial benefits from their own investments in R+D, creating a market failure where the #Saskatchewan Government can prudently take up the slack.
#skpoli /13
#skpoli /13
At a fraction of the cost of the Diefenbaker Project, the #sask provincial government could establish an endowment to finance research grants at the University of #Saskatchewan to reduce water stress, improve crop yields, and advance soil health. The possibilities are vast.
#skpoli /12
#skpoli /12
January 3, 2025 at 6:19 PM
At a fraction of the cost of the Diefenbaker Project, the #sask provincial government could establish an endowment to finance research grants at the University of #Saskatchewan to reduce water stress, improve crop yields, and advance soil health. The possibilities are vast.
#skpoli /12
#skpoli /12