The campaign comes as threats against Canada — and Saskatchewan’s place within it — continue to grow.
On Sunday, in a new interview with Fox News, United States President Donald Trump reiterated claims that Canada should fold to his demands and become the 51st state.
Trump has also indicated that all trade talks with Canada are off and he would be levelling new tariffs against the country as early as this week.
As well, Unified Grassroots has continued to hold town halls across Saskatchewan promoting a referendum to leave Canada — the leader of the group has advocated openly for Saskatchewan to become the 51st state.
“Talk of separatism will kill jobs, kill investment and take us backwards,” Beck said. “We need to cut this nonsense. We need to focus on the future and on the critical work of building Saskatchewan’s economy within a united Canada.
“The Saskatchewan NDP and so many people we’ve heard from already won’t settle for anything less.”
Beck’s campaign launch comes just on the eve of Canada Day. It includes an online petition that people are welcome to sign at KeepSaskatchewanInCanada.ca and MLAs and members of the Saskatchewan NDP will be going door-to-door throughout the summer with a petition urging the Sask. Party to pass Beck’s bill, the Keep Saskatchewan In Canada Act.
The Act remains before the legislature, but Sask. Party Premier Scott Moe broke his promise to hold a free vote on the bill and instead stalled several attempts to hold a vote on it. The legislation, if passed, would prevent the Premier and Cabinet from unilaterally calling a referendum on separation. It would also double the threshold for citizen petitions for a separation vote — from 15 per cent to 30 per cent of eligible voters.
The bill is designed to provide economic stability for businesses and workers during a time of great uncertainty, Beck said.
“We know the status quo with Ottawa isn’t working for us but neither is giving up on Canada,” added Beck. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work on a new deal for Saskatchewan. That’s what people want from their government — not a vote on separation.
“I am so excited to mark Canada Day this year — it feels more important than ever before.”
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