Opportunities exist for Saskatchewan in jobs, manufacturing, drones
REGINA – Today, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck called on the province to get to work on securing every economic benefit possible for Saskatchewan as Ottawa looks to massively increase defence spending.
BECK CALLS FOR PROVINCE TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITY OF NEW $6.6B FEDERAL DEFENCE STRATEGY
"We welcome the federal government's decision to increase defence spending and the recently announced increase in military pay," Beck said.
"These announcements are long overdue. Now, the provincial government needs to get to work to ensure Saskatchewan people and businesses can benefit — this is a huge economic opportunity for our province."
Specifically, Beck called on the province to get to work securing federal action on:
Hiring more Canadian Armed Forces members in both the regular force and in reserve units to create good jobs in Moose Jaw, Dundurn, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Yorkton, and Regina
Investing in housing and infrastructure to create good jobs in construction, build more homes, and support local communities like Moose Jaw and Dundurn.
Expanding access to childcare and mental health supports for military families, which will also free up capacity in provincial systems for all Canadians.
Partnering with local manufacturers and businesses with expertise in critical areas like steelmaking and agricultural drones to help supply the Canadian Armed Forces with next generation capabilities like armoured vehicles and drones.
“Members in the Canadian Armed Forces do a remarkable job serving Canada here at home and around the world,” said Beck.
“As the federal government looks to increase spending on our military, we need to see the provincial government put their shoulder to the wheel and ensure that those dollars are spent right here in Saskatchewan and that military members have the supports they need.”
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