Saskatchewan NDP Caucus

Meili seeks common front on equalization

Today Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili asked Premier Scott Moe to join him in seeking answers from the three main federal party leaders on where they stand regarding Saskatchewan’s need for a fair equalization formula.

“Saskatchewan people deserve to know where the federal parties stand on our push for a fair equalization deal,” said Meili. “Though we have proposed different solutions, Premier Moe and I are in agreement that the current deal doesn’t work for Saskatchewan people. Today I asked the Premier to join me in seeking clarity ahead of the next federal election on where the parties stand.”

NDP calls on government to empower Information Commissioner

After the release of the fourteenth report into the Northern Village of Pinehouse's handling of Freedom-of-Information requests last week, the Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the government to empower the Information and Privacy Commissioner to order documents.

"As the government-appointed inspector made clear in his report, this is not an 'isolated aberration' — the issues raised here 'may and likely do occur in other municipalities,'" said NDP Ethics and Democracy Critic David Forbes. "That's why we're calling on the government to provide Saskatchewan people the accountability they deserve by granting the Information Commissioner the authority to order documents to be made public."

Physician shortage for opioid substitution therapies hitting crisis point: NDP

The NDP is calling for a plan to address a physician shortage for opioid substitution therapies in Regina. Two doctors who previously handled the 700-patient caseload are no longer offering services, and a lone physician has been hired to fill this gap.

“This is a crisis that needs immediate attention,” said NDP Mental Health and Addictions Critic Danielle Chartier. “Those who are trying to manage their opioid use disorders will face significant wait times to get the needed care.”

NDP urge action on child welfare

The annual report from the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth highlighted yet again how the Sask. Party government is failing children in care.

“There are too many kids in care, and too many kids dying or critically injured while they’re in care,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “When the need to act is so clear, it’s frustrating to see how little has changed.”

NDP move to designate April as Sikh Heritage Month

Today in the Legislature, the Saskatchewan NDP introduced Bill 616: An Act to proclaim the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month.

“It’s important that we live by our province’s motto, From Many Peoples, Strength, and in doing so recognizing the rich contributions that the Sikh community has made in Saskatchewan. Whether it’s economically, culturally, or socially,” said Trent Wotherspoon, who tabled the bill in the presence of many Sikh community leaders.

NDP joins frontline group in calling for province-wide gang strategy focused on prevention and intervention

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the provincial government to address the rising issue of gang violence by working with community-based organizations on the front lines of this issue. Shane Partridge of STR8 UP, a Saskatoon-based non-profit organization that helps people leave gangs, has travelled to the Legislature today seeking a commitment from the government to implement a provincial gang strategy along the lines of the one STR8 UP outlined in their Provincial Gang Strategy Phase 2 Report, released this month.

“Saskatchewan has the highest number of youth gang members per capita in the country, alarming rates of violent crime in both rural and urban areas, and a provincial government that seems not to care about how much their inaction on rehabilitation, addictions, and supports for youth is fueling the crisis,” said NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer.