Saskatchewan NDP Caucus

Saskatchewan families still hurting as the Sask. Party budget offers more of the same

The people of Saskatchewan are still hurting from the heartless cuts and massive tax hikes made by the Sask. Party’s last budget, and now we’re seeing more of the same shortsightedness in this budget as the debt continues to pile on, funding for education still hasn’t been restored to 2016 levels and Saskatchewan people are paying more but getting less.

“When Saskatchewan people look at this budget, they will wonder where is the inspiration? Where is the hope? Where is the leadership? What this budget shows is that Saskatchewan is being kept in a railway siding, meanwhile the debt is on track to triple since 2008 and there is no investment in prosperity,” said NDP Finance Critic Cathy Sproule.

Saskatchewan lagging behind in job growth

This month’s jobs figures from Statistics Canada shows that Saskatchewan is seeing one of the slowest rates of job growth in the country, and that the Sask. Party has failed to stimulate the economy or create jobs.

“Last year, at this time, we saw a budget that hurt industries and businesses who create jobs across the province,” said NDP Jobs Critic Vicki Mowat. “Saskatchewan can’t afford to have more of the same – where job-creating industries are being hurt by tax hikes and the Sask. Party continues to make short-sighted decisions to make up for their mismanagement.”

NDP calls on Sask. Party to invest wisely in Saskatchewan people this budget

The Saskatchewan NDP is laying out its vision for what the upcoming budget should include, and it comes with a strong focus on making smart investments to grow the economy, create jobs and undo the damage the Sask. Party has done with cuts to education and the programs that help the most vulnerable. 

“What we need in this budget are the right investments that will get Saskatchewan people back to work and grow the economy,” NDP Leader Ryan Meili said. “The Sask. Party has taken a short-sighted approach in previous budgets, spending excessively on pet projects while cutting the core services that are the foundation for future prosperity. That's why we're calling on the Sask. Party to change their approach and budget with the best interests of all Saskatchewan people in mind.” 

NDP continue to push Sask. Party to provide supports for survivors of domestic violence

For the fourth time, NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer is introducing a bill in an effort to provide supports to survivors of domestic violence and address Saskatchewan’s high rates which remain some of the worst in Canada.

“It’s disappointing that it has taken so many tries to get the Sask. Party to recognize the desperate need for change,” Sarauer said. “Too many throughout the province are suffering or in dangerous situations, and we can’t afford to not do everything we can to provide the proper supports to these individuals.”

While the rest of Canada increases workers, Sask. Party holding workers back

According to a new Statistics Canada report, Saskatchewan was the only province, other than Newfoundland, that saw a decrease in the number of employees compared to this time last year.

“Earlier this month we saw 7,800 more Saskatchewan people out of work compared to the year before, and what we’re seeing today is that the trend is continuing,” said NDP Jobs Critic Vicki Mowat. “Once again every single province in Western Canada saw an increase in jobs over the last year except Saskatchewan, and it is clear that people are struggling because of the Sask. Party’s mismanagement of the economy.”

Lack of autism funding forcing families into difficult decisions

The Sask. Party has failed to deliver on their promise of proper supports for children living with autism and because of it, families are being forced to choose between providing the necessary needs for their children and day-to-day expenses.

“With the Sask. Party’s heartless cuts and tax hikes, families are finding it harder and harder to get by - especially those families who have a child with autism, who require additional care and supports,” said NDP Health Critic Danielle Chartier. “The Sask. Party broke their promise to support families living with autism, and then they chose to pile on even more costs for these families.”