NDP calls on the Sask. Party to audit true cost of scrapping STC

With the Sask. Party’s sell-off of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company going to court tomorrow, the NDP is calling for the government to undertake a value-for-dollar audit to learn the true cost of losing the STC.

“The Sask. Party has admitted that they did no cost analysis or planning before announcing that they were rushing to scrap this service that is so vital to so many families and businesses throughout the province,” said STC Critic Doyle Vermette. “The Sask. Party’s refusal to look at what the real costs are for this sell-off show what a desperate move this is and how little they care about the broader consequences and who is hurt by their mismanagement, scandal, and waste.”

In 2012, the Ontario government rushed to sell off the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, and like the Sask. Party, touted that it would save the province millions. However, a special report was written by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk in 2013 showed that the selloff would actually end up costing the government as much as $820 million in lost services. The Ontario government partially relented but the costs of what they did sell off have still ballooned beyond any preconceived savings.

Vermette said the case on Ontario shows the importance of a value for dollar audit being done before the selloff takes place.

“The scrapping of STC will hurt farmers and businesses along with families and those trying to access medical appointments,” said Vermette. “On top of that, there are enormous costs associated with the services that are being provided by STC that the government will have to account for.”

Latest posts

CARLA BECK’S TEAM BRINGS PRIMARY CARE PLAN TO PRINCE ALBERT, GUARANTEES EVERY PERSON HAS A FAMILY PHYSICIAN

PRINCE ALBERT – Yesterday, Carla Beck’s team released the first phase of their plan to deliver big, bold changes in healthcare for Saskatchewan, which starts with prioritizing primary care. Today, MLA Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Minister for Health, has brought the plan to Prince Albert to discuss how it can revitalize healthcare for residents in the area.

CARLA BECK’S BIG, BOLD HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION STARTS WITH GUARANTEED ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE TEAM

Four-Pillar Plan Will Build Healthcare Homes, Connect Local Services and Bring Care Closer to People
SASKATOON – Carla Beck’s team is unveiling the first phase of its plan to transform the province’s struggling healthcare system — guaranteeing every Saskatchewan resident access to a primary care team that knows them, coordinates their care and is responsible for them over time.

SCOTT MOE NEEDS TO REVERSE ELIMINATION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE TESTING PROGRAM

Carla Beck’s Team Stand With Hunters To Decry Shortsighted, Out-Of-Touch Decision By Sask. Party

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is continuing to join widespread calls from hunters and wildlife groups for Scott Moe to reverse his senseless cut to chronic wasting disease testing. The decision was made without consultation or warning in the middle of Saskatchewan's hunting season.

NINETY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA LEFT IN OVERRUN HOSPITAL HALLWAY FOR THREE DAYS

Devastated Son Steps Forward To Demand Better After Horrendous Ordeal At Royal University Hospital
SASKATOON – Carla Beck’s team is demanding answers from the Sask. Party and a formal investigation as another deeply disturbing ordeal has emerged from the overrun Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

NDP Caucus Office