A lot has been said over the years about the power of positive thinking. It is often said that how we choose to view the world determines our success or failure, and there can be no argument here.

If we walk around talking about how bad our lot in life is without ever actually doing anything about it, we're doomed to failure. It's an axiom that is tried tested and true. But just how well does this axiom apply to the Saskatchewan economy How much of our dismal economic performance over the last half century can we attribute to our collective lack of self esteem

A recent report by the Fraser Institute indicates that investment bankers from across Canada feel that Saskatchewan has one of the worst investment climates in Canada. Alberta (of course) topped the charts as having the most welcoming business environment with a score of 8.8 out of 10. Saskatchewan ranked 6th out of the provinces, and failed to garner a passing grade. Only the Atlantic provinces scored lower on this measure.

These decision-makers were then asked whether the proper economic policies were present to foster a positive investment climate and promote globally competitive companies. Saskatchewan led all provinces in "No" responses: 73 per cent of participants indicated that it does not have the necessary policies in place. In terms of negative responses, Manitoba ranks a distant second, with Newfoundland and Labrador rounding out the worst three.

It's all pretty damning stuff for Saskatchewan, and reaffirms the call from many in the province to begin economic reforms aimed at boosting investment here. Non-government investment, that is.

A particularly troubling aspect of this report is how it has been greeted by members of the Saskatchewan media. Pundits reacted on airwaves saying we need to be more positive. They say we need to turn our frowns upside down and put on a happy face.

The investors surveyed in the Fraser report are responsible for $335 billion in investments, venture capital, and pensions - an amount 43 times the size of our total provincial budget. These are the guys with their fingers on the economic pulse of the country, with the ability to make or break entire regions. They can sniff out a good deal from a mile away, and they don't like the smell of Saskatchewan.

It's ridiculous for Saskatchewan pundits to scoff at a litany of reports as being "too negative." Why let our government off the hook What good does it do to throw a big blanket over Saskatchewan and sit around giving ourselves a big pat on the back

When you are sitting on top of billions, itching for a place to put it, all that matters is whether you put a tick in the 'win' column for your investors.

The whole province could stand up and sing "zippity do-da" and it won't change the business fundamentals. Saskatchewan has one of the highest effective business tax rates in North America. Our personal income tax rates are high, and pending the results of the mid-year update, could gradually creep higher. After three consecutive deficit budgets, our provincial debt has grown by $1.3 billion since 2001.

Is Saskatchewan an incredible place to live Absolutely. Are there successful Saskatchewan businesses No question. Can we do better We have no choice.

Let's take responsibility for Saskatchewan's lackluster economic performance, roll up our sleeves, and make measurable efforts to get this province moving.