The Keep Saskatchewan in Canada Act is designed to provide long-term stability for workers, businesses, and investors at a time of tariffs and renewed uncertainty over Donald Trump’s threats toward Canadian sovereignty.
“Saskatchewan’s future is in Canada — but we also deserve respect from Ottawa,” said Beck. “The status quo isn’t good enough, but neither is giving up on our country. I grew up on a farm, where I learned that when something isn’t working you don’t throw up your hands – you dig in and find a way to fix it.
“This is such a critical moment and we have an opportunity to get generational projects over the line — more rail lines, pipelines and powerlines — that will secure our economic future.”
If passed, Beck’s bill would amend the Referendum and Plebiscite Act to prevent the Premier and Cabinet from unilaterally calling a referendum on separation. It would also double the threshold for citizen petitions on separation referendums — from 15 per cent to 30 per cent of eligible voters.
“A referendum on separation from Canada will drive jobs and investment out of Saskatchewan, even if it’s unsuccessful – just look at what happened to Quebec,” said Beck. “I heard that loud and clear in my meetings with energy leaders in Calgary this week — talk of separation will kill jobs, kill investment and kill much-needed infrastructure projects.
“Citizen-led referendums are part of democracy, but a vote to separate should meet a high bar because of the serious economic harm it would cause.
“I also have doubts that Scott Moe can control his Caucus. The last thing we need is for him to launch an undemocratic separation referendum, just to save his own hide from a Caucus revolt and Unified Grassroots.”
The Saskatchewan NDP calls on Scott Moe and the Sask. Party to support the bill and stand up for a strong Saskatchewan within a united Canada.
-30-