“Across a wide range of indicators, Saskatchewan is falling behind and becoming increasingly vulnerable to economic downturns,” Beck said.
“This is a moment for leadership, for a focus on Saskatchewan’s future, one filled with good-paying jobs and where we tap into the incredible opportunity in every corner of this province. Clearly the people of Saskatchewan deserve better from their provincial government — it’s time for change.”
While Saskatchewan lost 6,100 jobs in May and now has fewer jobs than a year ago, Beck said the broader economic picture is even more troubling.
Recent population estimates also show Saskatchewan has now experienced two consecutive quarters of population decline.
Real retail sales have fallen, business numbers continue to shrink, and private-sector investment remains well below levels seen a decade ago.
At the same time Saskatchewan families continue to face growing affordability pressures. Inflation reached 3.8 per cent in April, one of the highest rates in Canada, putting additional strain on household budgets and reducing consumer spending. Saskatchewan people have consistently reported the highest financial anxiety in Canada and the province has seen record homelessness and food bank use over the past several years.
"Families are paying more at the grocery store, more for housing, more for utilities, and more for everyday necessities," said Aleana Young, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Jobs and Economy. "When affordability worsens at the same time economic growth slows, it creates a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break."
Young noted that Saskatchewan's economy remains heavily dependent on a small number of economic sectors.
Although Saskatchewan posted stronger GDP growth in 2025 much of that growth was driven by an exceptionally strong agricultural year. Meanwhile, several major sectors of the economy, including mining, energy, and manufacturing contracted.
Beck called for a new economic development strategy that focuses on expanding value-added industries, attracting investment, growing manufacturing, supporting innovation, strengthening entrepreneurship, and improving affordability for Saskatchewan families.
"We need an economy that is more diversified, more resilient, and better prepared for the future," Young said. "That means supporting sectors that create long-term, sustainable jobs and reducing our dependence on a handful of industries and external factors that we cannot control.
“My message to the people of Saskatchewan is that they deserve better — and better is possible.”
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