SASKATOON - NDP Leader Ryan Meili slammed the Sask. Party’s announcement of a 36 cent increase to the minimum wage as of October 1, 2021 as “abysmal” and an insult to front-line workers who have sacrificed so much over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Workers in this province have done everything that the government and public health officials have asked of them - and in return Premier Scott Moe has rewarded them with the second-lowest minimum wage in Canada,” said Meili. “Saskatchewan workers deserve so much better, and the economic recovery we all want to see won’t mean much if it doesn’t include working families being able to get back on their feet.”
As of October 1 only New Brunswick will have a lower minimum wage in Canada. Meili noted that Saskatchewan’s low minimum wage hurts working people and the economy as whole, driving down wages for everyone and hurting local businesses.
“Premier Scott Moe’s lack of leadership is leaving working families behind,” said Meili. “For local businesses to succeed in their recovery, they need Saskatchewan families who can afford to spend locally. We need a strong minimum wage and a real jobs plan to build a better province and a better economy for everyone.”
Saskatchewan New Democrats have consistently called for a $15 minimum wage.
Poor working conditions, favouritism, $300K travel nurse pay at issue
REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition released a letter signed by 49 emergency room nurses in Saskatoon. The letter slams the Sask. Party government for failing to support Saskatchewan nurses and curb the province’s reliance on expensive out-of-province travel nurses.
REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Critic for First Nations and Métis Relations Betty Nippi-Albright hosted a Day of Action with Indigenous leaders from Nekaneet First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Carry The Kettle First Nation, Key First Nation and the residential school support team from Yorkton Tribal Council. Together, they continue to draw attention to the Sask. Party government’s disregard for the Duty to Consult process.
MOOSE JAW - Today, the Official Opposition stood with Taylor Enns, president of the Moose Jaw Firefighters Association, and Brayden Dutchak, the son of a cancer survivor. Together, they called on the Sask. Party government to reopen Saskatchewan’s only hyperbaric chamber.
Records show former Sask. Party Finance Minister lobbied for Calgary surgery scheme on behalf of a major Sask. Party donor
REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition grilled the Premier and his Minister of Health after the Minister misled the public, claiming that he had not been lobbied by a former Sask. Party MLA when Saskatchewan's official lobbyist logs show the exact opposite.