LLOYDMINSTER - Today, Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck stopped at the giant red survey stakes on the Saskatchewan-Alberta border in Lloydminster to illustrate the Sask. Party government’s inaction on the affordability crisis. She called on the government to follow the example of numerous other provinces like Alberta and enact measures to provide affordability relief to Saskatchewan families.
“Alberta is already on its second round of affordability relief, yet here in Saskatchewan we have a Sask. Party government that’s not only refusing to act – they are actively making life more expensive,” said Beck. “The price of almost everything is going up and Saskatchewan people need a government that makes life more affordable, not one that raises taxes while sitting on record revenues.”
Alberta, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador have already suspended provincial fuel taxes to give families and businesses a break at the pumps. The Saskatchewan government, which collects 15 cents per litre, has yet to follow suit and instead expanded the provincial sales tax and raised utility fees despite windfall revenues and 40-year high inflationary pressures.
“Frankly, what I keep hearing from folks is that they’re tired of the political games. You’ve got federal and provincial politicians taking shots and blaming each other in the media while nothing is getting done,” said Beck. “Enough excuses. We need adults in the room. All levels of government need to work together to make life more affordable. It’s time to get back to work on real solutions.”
The Official Opposition reiterated its call from March to immediately cut the gas tax and introduce an affordability relief package offsetting the crushing cost of living.
-30-
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.