Saskatchewan’s richest family, which has a history of purchasing power, hosted Pierre Poilievre for a private fundraiser.

On a crisp evening last November, Regina’s business elite mingled among gleaming Hot Rods in a spacious private hangar on the outskirts of the city.

With a view overlooking a giant car collection from a skydeck lounge, they dined on racks of lamb and ribs catered by an upscale steakhouse whose regular menu includes $140 steak.

The main attraction of the night, apart from the classic Cadillac sedans and custom Chevrolet convertibles, was Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

In town for the private fundraiser, he was hosted by the Semples, Saskatchewan’s richest family who are invested in real estate, agriculture, construction, mining, and pipeline equipment.

According to local political analyst Simon Enoch, the family business dynasty mistreats workers and acts like the province is their “personal fiefdom.”

Major donors to the Conservatives and the reigning Saskatchewan Party, the family’s connections have helped them secure millions of dollars in contracts from provincial and federal governments.

Their guests in November, who were encouraged to donate between $1,500 to $1,700 to the Conservative Party to attend the fundraiser, were a who’s who of the province’s business elite, including nearly a dozen real estate developers.

  • girlfreddyOP
    14·
    5 days ago

    “Under Stephen Harper’s Conservative government, tycoons like the Semples were tapped for advice and wielded greater influence outside the province,” said Enoch, director of the Saskatchewan office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

    “Their influence dropped off with the Trudeau government, but I think they’re keen to regain it with a Poilievre victory.”

    Yeah, that’s what we need … Harper’s Con, Part Deux.