Up to 49 per cent of Saskatchewan's crown corporations could soon be for sale.

The government passed legislation today that will allow it to begin selling off the province’s Crown corporations without the support of Saskatchewan people, according to SGEU. Bill 40, also known as the Interpretation Amendment Act, will create a legal definition of privatization that allows up to 49% of a Crown to be sold without requiring a referendum or election.

“Saskatchewan people value and support their Crowns and this government knows it,” says SGEU President Bob Bymoen. “If the Sask. Party’s privatization agenda actually had public support, they wouldn’t be afraid to put the future of the Crowns to a vote. Instead, they’re passing legislation to make sure that voters’ voices won’t be heard.”

Selling 49 per cent of a Crown, such as SaskTel, would hugely weaken its ability to serve Saskatchewan people according to Bymoen.

The Saskatchewan NDP is not pleased with the new legislation either. The reaction was immediate.

"The SK NDP along with Saskatchewan people will continue to fight to save and build our Crowns. For today. And next generations," tweeted NDP MLA Trent  Wotherspoon.