For immediate release: May 12, 2025
Economic Impact of Separatist Referendum Potential Very Bad to Saskatchewan’s Future: Beck
REGINA – As the final week of the spring sitting begins, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling for a vote on her legislation to keep Saskatchewan in Canada.
The bill, introduced urgently last week amid a rising separatist sentiment and a likely referendum in neighbouring Alberta on that province leaving Canada, increases the threshold for a referendum on Saskatchewan separating from Canada and removes the ability for Cabinet to hold such a vote.
“Even the threat of a vote on separating will hurt our economy,” Beck said Monday.
“Capital investment will dry up, head offices may move and jobs will be lost.
“We’ve seen this all before in Quebec. Montreal was due to be the economic engine of Canada at one point before a devout separatism movement took hold. I don’t want that here. Not now. Not ever.”
Beck noted there are at least two active petitions pushing for a referendum on Saskatchewan leaving Canada. One organizing group, Unified Grassroots, helped fund and organize for Sask. Party MLAs, even going so far as to declare MLA David Chan from Yorkton, “one of us.”
Chan has not refuted that claim.
Last week, during Question Period, Premier Scott Moe committed to a “free vote” on Beck’s Keep Saskatchewan in Canada Act.
“I am here today to call on him to make sure there actually is a vote — the clock is ticking, Premier,” Beck said. “The separatist threat is real. It’s time for leaders to lead.
“Do what’s right and let my bill come to a vote today.
“Do it for our economy.
“For our country.
“For our future.”
- 30 -
REGINA — The Saskatchewan NDP and the ALS Society of Saskatchewan are calling on the Sask. Party Minister of Health to immediately launch a full investigation into the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Centre in Moose Jaw.
REGINA – The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Provincial Auditor to launch a special investigation into the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), following the government’s failure to properly maintain and deploy key firefighting aircraft during this year’s wildfire crisis.