SARM CONCERNED ABOUT FUTURE OF COMMUNITY RINKS IF POWER RATE HIKES CONTINUE

MLA Young Urges Sask. Party To Withdraw Objection, Allow Bill 612 To Be Introduced
REGINA - The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is joining the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses and the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan in urging the Scott Moe government to reconsider their planned power rate hike.

In an official submission to the Rate Review Panel, SARM President Bill Huber argues that farmers and rural communities are vulnerable to these rate hikes. He also urged the panel to protect Saskatchewan’s much-loved community rinks from shuttering due to the added costs, arguing “already‑significant fixed and seasonal electricity costs” could result in “higher user fees, more fundraising, or cuts to hours and programs.”

“Why are rural residents and rural municipalities expected to pick up the tab for the Sask. Party government’s incompetence?” said Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck.

Rinks are the heart of rural communities — like the rink in my hometown of Lang — and its world-famous drawbridge staircase. These local hubs already are kept open with the hard work and fundraising efforts of local volunteers and I would hate to see any community rink cutting back on hours or even closing simply because they can’t afford to keep up with the power bills.”

Late Wednesday, the Sask. Party attempted to stop the Opposition’s Bill 612, The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act, from even being introduced and considered by the Legislature on the grounds that it authorizes expenditure.

During the drafting of the legislation, the Opposition received independent legal advice that the bill was in order and would not authorize expenditure.

The Speaker of the House is set to rule later today on the objection.

“Now is not the time to pile more costs onto Saskatchewan people when they can least afford it, or to block this important legislation before the people of this province can even have their say,” said Aleana Young, Shadow Minister for SaskPower.

“SARM is reinforcing what people across this province have been saying from the start — these power rate hikes are bad for business, bad for the economy, and bad for our rural communities.”

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