On November 7, 2007 the New Democratic Party of Saskatchewan was given a strong mandate to serve as a strong opposition. The NDP has taken this responsibility seriously and is working hard to mold itself into a solid Opposition.
Democracy operates on the basis of choice. In order for the democratic system to be successful there must be a strong Official Opposition to the government. Without a solid Opposition to the government, decision by discussion and debate ends - and dictatorship supplants democracy.
While the Official Opposition is expected to oppose the government, it is not the job of the Opposition to oppose the government simply to oppose. The responsibilities of the Opposition are much greater than that. The main role of the Opposition is to serve as a voice for the people, questioning the government and holding the government accountable to the public. A strong Opposition must spotlight serious issues and work to get them resolved. It is the duty of the Opposition to debate legislation in the House and during selected committees to ensure that the proposed legislation receives careful consideration before it is passed. The Opposition's criticisms of the government and its legislation help to create public opinion.
Finally it is the role of the Opposition to provide an alternative to the government and to propose alternative ideas to those of the government. It is the duty of the Opposition to counter balance the government and present itself as a government in waiting.
In government the NDP worked hard to ensure that all Saskatchewan citizens were heard. As the Opposition the NDP is working even harder to ensure that the Sask. Party government is accountable to all Saskatchewan people.
Democracy operates on the basis of choice. In order for the democratic system to be successful there must be a strong Official Opposition to the government. Without a solid Opposition to the government, decision by discussion and debate ends - and dictatorship supplants democracy.
While the Official Opposition is expected to oppose the government, it is not the job of the Opposition to oppose the government simply to oppose. The responsibilities of the Opposition are much greater than that. The main role of the Opposition is to serve as a voice for the people, questioning the government and holding the government accountable to the public. A strong Opposition must spotlight serious issues and work to get them resolved. It is the duty of the Opposition to debate legislation in the House and during selected committees to ensure that the proposed legislation receives careful consideration before it is passed. The Opposition's criticisms of the government and its legislation help to create public opinion.
Finally it is the role of the Opposition to provide an alternative to the government and to propose alternative ideas to those of the government. It is the duty of the Opposition to counter balance the government and present itself as a government in waiting.
In government the NDP worked hard to ensure that all Saskatchewan citizens were heard. As the Opposition the NDP is working even harder to ensure that the Sask. Party government is accountable to all Saskatchewan people.
If you have questions or concerns, or would like to bring something to our attention, please contact us.
After the escape of six prisoners from the Regina Correctional Centre, the Sask Party denied the existence of gangs in Saskatchewan jails.
"By the end of the year there will likely be two consecutive quarters of negative growth in the province, which means Saskatchewan will be in a recession."
- Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer
Voters shouldn't have to tolerate mistakes by Brad Wall's government...
March 3, 2010
The government is desperately attempting to portray it as an unfortunate set of circumstances that have conspired in a slight overpayment. Well, the problem here is much, much more than that. ...Whatever it is, it's incompetence well beyond anything voters should ever have to tolerate. -Murray Mandryk, The Leader-Post
