A media opportunity with the Premier to talk about an upcoming trade mission also became a chance for reporters to ask about a few other issues, like a possible Unifor strike affecting 6 Saskatchewan Crown Corporations and an Agency, and the death of a man who was found on the main floor of Royal University Hospital.

Scott Moe says the 11-day trade mission to Japan and South Korea is an opportunity to attract investment and find opportunities that will help make up for the trade disputes with China and India affecting the agriculture industry. Since 2007, Saskatchewan’s exports to Asia have increased 158 per cent. Last year, the province’s exports to Japan were over $1.1-billion and 99 per cent were agri-food products. Moe says they will be touting food, fuel and fertilizer.

The Premier gives his condolences to the family and loved ones of 72 year old Allan Landrie, who can be seen on security footage heading into Royal University Hospital on Saturday and was then found dead in a publicly accessible area of the main floor of the hospital on Tuesday night. He says the Saskatchewan Health Authority is reviewing the incident and working with the Saskatoon Police Service and if necessary, there would be protocol changes. When told the SHA hadn’t released many details, Moe surmised it would be because an investigation was underway. Landrie’s death is not considered suspicious.

About 5-thousand Unifor members from SaskTel, SecurTek, DirectWest, SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskWater and the Water Security Agency could go on strike just after midnight (12:01 a.m. Friday). Premier Moe explains the government is offering a 5 per cent increase over 5 years, which Unifor National President, Jerry Dias (dye us) says is actually zero increase for 2 years, then 1 per cent, followed by 2 years at a 2 per cent increase, meanwhile MLAs gave themselves a 2.3 per cent increase this year. Moe says MLAs have received a 3.9 per cent increase over the last 5 years as compared to a 5.2 to 9 per cent increase for the 7 Unifor Locals.