Saskatchewan NDP Caucus

NDP calls for scrutiny of Sask. Party’s relationship with SNC-Lavalin

With SNC-Lavalin embroiled in numerous scandals, the NDP is calling into question the long-standing relationship that the Sask. Party has had with the troubled company and renewing its call for campaign finance reform in the province.

“When we look at the history between the Sask. Party and SNC-Lavalin over the past decade, with nearly $10,000 in publicly disclosed donations going one way and three quarters of a billion dollars ($765,846,640) in contracts going the other, it’s enough to give the people of the province pause, especially when our political donations and conflict of interest rules are so lax,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “We are calling for a moratorium on any further deals with SNC-Lavalin until a full review has taken place.”

Stop leaving money for bus routes on the table: NDP

The NDP is calling for the government to stop leaving money on the table that is needed to help those who have been left with no bus service after the Sask. Party sold off STC.

“The Sask. Party’s move to sell off STC in the first place hurt a lot of people,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “People with disabilities and those who needed to travel for medical appointments were among the many left stranded by the devastating cut. To flat-out reject funding options is an admission by the Sask. Party that they aren’t willing to fight for these people.”

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.”