NDP pushes government for greater democratic accountability

NDP Leader Ryan Meili updated the public about negotiations to recall the Legislature today, responding to the Sask. Party government’s proposed terms for a limited reopening of the Legislature by calling for more sitting days and greater democratic scrutiny than the limited scope the government had proposed.

“The Sask Party is writing themselves blank cheques behind closed doors,” said Meili. “Their attempts to hide from scrutiny reveal a government that is arrogant and secretive. Scott Moe was only willing to discuss opening the legislature after repeated pressure from the opposition, the media and the public. Now he’s put forward an extremely limited proposal that gives the illusion of scrutiny but not enough time to do the work.”

“As a result, Saskatchewan people are left with serious unanswered questions about how the government will handle the economic fallout of this pandemic. What’s the government’s recovery plan? What essential services will they try to cut?,” said Meili. “People are stepping up in so many ways to navigate a safe reopening of our province. They deserve real answers.”

When the Assembly adjourned on March 17, a motion was passed committing the government to 28 sitting days, which was what the NDP called for last week.

Meili rejected Moe’s characterization yesterday that this proposal represents the greatest amount of scrutiny for a budget in Canada during COVID and pushed for an explanation for the government’s move to limit the sitting to five Question Periods and eight sitting days in total.

NDP House Leader Cathy Sproule delivered a letter to the government house leader this morning, proposing a revised schedule of 14 sitting days with 14 Question Periods, along with an adequate number of hours for debate on the budget.

“While we were happy to see the government finally concede the need to safely reopen the Legislature and present a budget, we’re disappointed that they would try to cut corners and reduce public scrutiny of their decisions in this way,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “Premier Moe has a duty to be accountable. We urge him to implement this reasonable proposal and get MLAs back to work.”

Latest posts

HOLIDAY MESSAGE TO SASKATCHEWAN FROM CARLA BECK

I want to wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year from everyone here at the Saskatchewan NDP Caucus.

NEW POLLING: SASKATCHEWAN FAMILIES STRUGGLING THE MOST WITH COST OF LIVING AS HOMELESSNESS SKYROCKETS

HOMELESSNESS DOUBLES IN REGINA, TRIPLES IN SASKATOON

REGINA – A new Angus Reid poll reveals Saskatchewan residents are struggling more than any other province with the cost–of–living crisis. Nearly half (45%) say they are worse off financially than last year, and 50% report difficulty feeding their families — the highest such rates of financial insecurity in Canada.

SENIOR SASK. PARTY MINISTER GUILTY OF BREAKING ETHICS LAW, EXPLOITS LOOPHOLE IN SECOND INVESTIGATION

SASKATCHEWAN NDP CALL FOR TOUGHER RULES FOR PROVINCIAL POLITICIANS

REGINA - Sask. Party Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill has been found guilty of breaking conflict of interest laws, and dodged accountability with a loophole in a second conflict-of-interest case.

SASK. PARTY BACKTRACKS ON PROMISE TO HELP TERMINALLY ILL WEYBURN ADVOCATE

Sask. Party says Fred is not sick enough for care, doctor has given him weeks to live

REGINA – After promising that the Ministry of Health would help a desperate Weyburn couple, the Sask. Party government has quietly withdrawn its support.