While the dust settles after a bitterly fought provincial election, one thing is patently clear: win, lose or draw, Saskatchewan can't continue with "business as usual." What's needed now is to strike out in a direction that will grow the province.

Beginning immediately, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) will renew their efforts to keep the interests of taxpayers front-and-center in public discourse. The Saskatchewan Party will likely turn inward to explore opportunities for improving their performance as the province's official opposition.

In the mean time, Saskatchewan will be governed by the NDP. The question is whether they will continue with the status quo, or will they strike out in a new direction to make Saskatchewan more prosperous

It's painfully clear that something has to happen. New studies forecast a startling demographic shift that will see Saskatchewan's population dominated by aging seniors and their increasing demands for healthcare, and young aboriginals who lack skills and training to contribute to the economy.

There is no bigger challenge for a province to face. BSE and drought are a walk in the park compared to dealing with a declining and aging population. We can barely afford to maintain our services now -- with the steady out-migration of our best and brightest, the problem only gets worse.

So, what do we do We know what hasn't worked - high taxes and government intervention in the economy. Put in the simplest terms, this is what the NDP government has done for the last 12 years. They've grown the crowns by branching into new businesses in Saskatchewan and around the world in the hopes they will become money earners for taxpayers. They haven't, and they probably won't.

They've stuck with high business taxes because they believe businesses should bear the burden of social programs, failing to realize that businesses exist to express the ambitions of the people, and reward them for their ingenuity. Other provinces recognize the value of business by giving them room to succeed. In Saskatchewan, the government competes against them.

Year in and year out the Provincial Auditor chastises the government for its spending practices, it's lack of transparency and accountability, and repeats ominous warnings about the accumulated debt. Our province is unwilling to live within its means, and is burdening future generations with massive debt - future generations that will be outnumbered by retirees.

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Hidden behind the campaign of fear and rhetoric, there were some good ideas for change put forward by the three main parties. Enacting effective taxpayer protection legislation that forbids deficits would be a great first step. Eliminating small business taxes would be a bold move that would send a strong signal to entrepreneurs that we value their contributions to our society. Reducing the corporate capital tax would stimulate investment, and make our province more productive. Addressing onerous school taxes on property is a must.

These are ideas that transcend ideology and petty party politics. Given the very close outcome of the election, it would be smart for the government to look at their opponent's campaigns and consider their suggestions. To the people of Saskatchewan, it's common sense.

Let the dust from this divisive and destructive campaign settle. When the air clears, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work on building a new Saskatchewan.