Saskatchewan NDP Caucus

Revenue sharing formula should include increase of one point of PST: NDP

The NDP is calling for a fairer revenue sharing deal for municipalities after years of enduring the government downloading additional costs onto their taxpayers.

“Municipalities have seen their fair share of program cuts and tax hikes from the Sask. Party, and it’s the people of the province that wind up paying more because of it,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “Municipalities will be getting less money than they did in the years between 2013-14 and 2017-18. We believe this deal should have an increased amount going to municipalities to help make up for the cuts, but also to cover for population growth and inflation.”

Statement from NDP Leader Ryan Meili on government’s relationship with Huawei

On January 15, 2019, I called on Premier Moe to place an immediate moratorium on any further contracts between SaskTel and Huawei, and today, we are glad to see that he has taken our advice.

However, the potential threat to the security and privacy of Saskatchewan people and businesses remains of very real concern. Other countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have shown this by actively taking steps to prevent Huawei from being a part of building their 5G networks.

NDP commits to review of potash royalties

NDP leader Ryan Meili says it’s time to review how potash royalties are structured – something the Sask. Party has promised in the past but hasn’t taken any action on.

“It’s important that we find the right balance to facilitate investment in Saskatchewan potash while making sure that the owners of the resource – Saskatchewan people – receive their fair share,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “The Sask. Party promised in 2015 to review the potash royalties, but they failed to deliver. An NDP government would undertake an immediate review of potash royalties and make sure we have a system that is fair for potash producers and Saskatchewan people.”

NDP, Blood Watch call for an end to paying for plasma donations

The NDP joined with Blood Watch to call on the government to end the practice of pay for plasma donations in Saskatchewan, and instead focus more on bolstering the volunteer system run through Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

“There are a number of health and safety risks associated with paying for plasma donations,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “By strengthening the province’s volunteer system, we can limit this risk while also ensuring that the donations stay in the province and benefit those who need it in Saskatchewan instead of international pharmaceutical companies.”

PST hike hurting investment in construction builds: NDP

Not long after it was reported that the value of building permits dropped, Statistics Canada announced today that investment in building construction in Saskatchewan has dropped year over year, leading the NDP to once again call on the government to remove the PST from construction labour and contracts.

“This drop in investment represents a drop in steady, mortgage-paying jobs in the construction industry and a drop in dollars flowing into the province,” said NDP Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon. “It’s clear the Sask. Party’s unfair tax hike has done nothing but hurt businesses and workers.”

‘Not good enough’: Meili presses Moe for answers on Huawei

Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan NDP raised concerns regarding SaskTel's involvement with the controversial telecommunications company Huawei. The response from the Sask. Party failed to inspire confidence that they have the situation in hand.

"Saskatchewan people deserve a simple assurance that their information and public investments are secure,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “When the Premier is either unwilling or unable to provide that assurance, that’s a concern.