The Saskatchewan NDP is calling out Sask. Party Minister Dave Marit for refusing to apologize in the Legislature today after his government’s interference in a Costco development forced the City of Regina to spend nearly $7 million to keep the deal from falling apart.
“Regina families are paying the price because the Sask. Party tried to use a Costco store to make their failed GTH look useful,” said Jared Clarke, NDP Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs. “Today, I asked the Minister to apologize. He wouldn’t.”
“That money — nearly $7 million — could’ve gone to fixing roads, clearing snow, or keeping property taxes in check. Instead, it went to cleaning up the fallout from an unnecessary bidding war the Sask. Party started.”
The Sask. Party’s Global Transportation Hub (GTH) tried to lure Costco away from the City’s Westerra neighbourhood, forcing Regina City Council to step in with a $6.78 million incentive to keep the project on track.
Hugh Gordon, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister Responsible for the GTH, said Minister Marit’s refusal to take responsibility is part of a familiar pattern.
“This isn’t the first time the Sask. Party has used the GTH for their own political gain — and it’s not the first time taxpayers have been left paying for it,” Gordon said. “The least the Minister could’ve done today was grow a spine and take some responsibility.
“The Saskatchewan NDP is focused on the future and that includes respecting the taxpayer and not playing silly political games with millions of their dollars.”
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