For immediate release: May 21, 2025
REGINA — The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Provincial Auditor to launch a formal investigation into the Costco scandal that was spurred by the GTH and forced the City of Regina to pay nearly $7 million. The bidding war caused by the province nearly jeopardized a much-needed second Costco for Regina.
In a letter sent today, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Ministers Hugh Gordon (Highways) and Jared Clarke (Municipal Affairs) asked the Auditor to examine the actions, policies, and expenditures of both the GTH and the Ministry of Highways, after it was revealed the provincial government needlessly caused a bidding war with the City of Regina over the new store.
“This is highway robbery — plain and simple,” said Gordon. “It’s outrageous that the Sask. Party used the GTH and Ministry of Highways to pit one level of government against another, costing Regina taxpayers millions.”
The City of Regina was left with little choice but to offer millions in subsidies to save the Costco planned for Westerra — a deal that likely wouldn’t have been necessary without the province’s interference.
“The City is already facing massive budget pressures,” said Clarke. “Forcing them into a bidding war with another level of government is boneheaded. This is yet another example of the Sask. Party putting political games ahead of the public interest.”
Last week, Sask. Party MLAs blocked a motion to launch an investigation into the Costco Scandal at the Public Accounts Committee.
The GTH has long been mired in corruption and scandal. In 2019, the Provincial Auditor confirmed serious wrongdoing at the GTH, where Sask. Party insiders profited from land deals that cost taxpayers millions.
The full letter to the Provincial Auditor is attached to this news release.
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REGINA — The Saskatchewan NDP and the ALS Society of Saskatchewan are calling on the Sask. Party Minister of Health to immediately launch a full investigation into the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Centre in Moose Jaw.
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