In the heartland of Canada, where the winds whisper across endless fields of golden wheat, lies a fundamental choice that will shape the future of our province: the decision to keep IT services public. Saskatchewan, known for its prudence and practicality, now faces a critical juncture where the values of accountability, transparency, and responsible governance hang in the balance.

For decades, Saskatchewan has prided itself on a tradition of public service, where essential functions such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure are managed with care and diligence by dedicated public servants. However, in recent years, this proud tradition has come under threat as the government has increasingly turned to privatization as a solution to complex challenges, including the delivery of IT services.

The allure of privatization is undeniable, with promises of efficiency, innovation, and cost savings echoing through the corridors of power. Yet, as we peel back the layers of rhetoric and examine the reality on the ground, a different picture emerges – one marred by skyrocketing costs, diminished accountability, and a loss of control over critical public functions.

Since 2009, Saskatchewan has witnessed a significant erosion of its in-house IT capacity, with a staggering 43% reduction in IT staff within the Ministry of Central Services. At the same time, overall spending on IT has ballooned by an alarming 140%, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for outsourced solutions that fail to deliver on their promises.

But the true cost of privatization extends beyond mere dollars and cents. It undermines the very fabric of our democracy by eroding the principles of accountability and transparency that form the bedrock of responsible governance. When essential services are outsourced to private companies, the public loses its ability to hold decision-makers accountable for their actions, creating a shadowy world where contracts are awarded behind closed doors and public funds are squandered with impunity.

In the face of these challenges, it is incumbent upon us – the citizens of Saskatchewan – to rise up and demand a different path forward. We must reject the false promises of privatization and instead embrace a vision of smart, responsible spending that puts the needs of the people first. This means investing in our public servants, empowering them with the tools and resources they need to deliver high-quality IT services that serve the public interest.

Keeping IT services public is not just about preserving jobs or saving money – it's about safeguarding the values that define us as a province. It's about ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and transparently, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people of Saskatchewan.

So, what can we do to make our voices heard? We can start by reaching out to our elected representatives and demanding accountability for their decisions. We can join together as concerned citizens and advocate for policies that prioritize the public good over private interests. And we can raise awareness in our communities about the importance of keeping IT services public and the dangers of unchecked privatization.

In conclusion, the choice before us is clear: we can either continue down the path of privatization, sacrificing our values and our future in the process, or we can stand up and fight for a different vision – one that prioritizes smart spending, accountability, and transparency in the delivery of IT services. The time to act is now, and the stakes could not be higher. Let's come together and keep IT public for the good of all Saskatchewan residents.