“Scott Moe has once again failed the people of Saskatchewan on carbon pricing. He has intentionally chosen to leave us with a plan designed in Ottawa instead of a plan that will work for Saskatchewan people. Because, the truth is, no one loves the Trudeau plan more than Scott Moe. He wants to play politics, while Saskatchewan people pay the price.
The Premier’s statement today shows us that he has failed again. He won’t even show his work, and is instead keeping people in the dark.
REGINA - NDP Economy and Jobs Critic Aleana Young joined with Joshua McLean, owner Homestead Bar A Vin in Regina today to call on the Sask. Party government to extend off-sale privileges for restaurants and taverns as they continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic on their businesses.
“The Sask. Party government has done a real disservice to small businesses like restaurants and tavern through the course of the pandemic. They were told to stay open while their customers were told to stay home — leaving many small businesses with the worst of both worlds,” said Young. “Now that restrictions are being lifted, it makes no sense to hit them with a surprise decision that will impact bottom-lines and business viability with no warning.”
REGINA - With Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s (SGI) reserves now sitting at $1.1 billion dollars according to the Saskatchewan Auto Fund 2021 Annual Report, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili and Critic for SGI Aleana Young called on the Sask. Party government to return excess earnings to Saskatchewan people through lower rates.
“Even with the rebate called for by the NDP being delivered to Saskatchewan families, SGI still has a significant surplus of funds beyond what’s needed to ensure rate stability,” said Meili. “It’s not right for the Sask. Party to be holding on to excess funds - that’s not what public auto insurance is supposed to be about. That money is supposed to go back to Saskatchewan families through lower rates.”
LA RONGE – Today, Official NDP Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat and Official NDP Opposition Critic for Northern Affairs Doyle Vermette, sounded the alarm on the current crisis in Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation and demanded that the government immediately deploy resources to help the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority.
LUMSDEN – Today Erika Ritchie, Official Opposition Critic for Environment, and the Water Security Agency, and Official Opposition Deputy Leader Nicole Sarauer joined with Aura Lee, Chair of the Calling Lakes EcoMuseum (CLEM), to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to address the current state of water quality in the province and to implement a provincial Wetland Policy.
Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada that currently does not have a wetlands policy, despite Saskatchewan having the greatest area of watersheds with no natural outlets in Canada.
“We’re seeing the result of this government’s neglect, with algae blooms now beginning earlier in the season, lasting longer, and resulting in toxin levels above recreational advisory levels. That means families can’t go out and enjoy all that this beautiful province has to offer,” said Ritchie. “Municipalities have been asking the Sask. Party and this government for some leadership on this front, but this Minister continues to sit on his hands. There are real people, real families being affected by this.”
REGINA - NDP Critic for SaskTel Trent Wotherspoon called on the provincial government to stand up for rural communities and allow SaskTel to invest properly in rural connectivity.
“Rural residents deserve so much better from this Sask. Party government, a government that’s taken them for granted for too long,” said Wotherspoon. “We hear a lot from families who want to know why this government won’t make rural connectivity a priority. In the 21st century, connectivity isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential service.”