A global affairs firm run by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been hired by the Saskatchewan government to support the province’s increased focus on international trade and engagement.

“Our province has the food, fuel and fertilizer to support a growing world population and we are actively taking that message to our customers around the globe,” Premier Scott Moe said. “Harper and Associates has the expertise and experience to assist us as we work to increase our exports and attract further investment into the province.”

Harper and Associates, who are being paid $240,000 dollars for this contract,  will provide guidance, advice and support to the provincial government on increasing and diversifying Saskatchewan’s exports, enhancing access to foreign markets for Saskatchewan-based products and attracting investment to the province. This includes assisting with strategies and planning for international missions.

Opposition leader Ryan Meili is skeptical about the appointment of Harper’s company. Saskatchewan’s N-D-P leader wonders if Harper is the best person for the job and if the government is spending public money to hire a friend of the SaskParty.

Meili supports the growth plan’s goal of increasing international trade by 50-percent and the population target but says there is nothing in the plan to provide adequate health care and education to a growing population.