Sask. Party PST hike hurting businesses and costing jobs

Earlier this month, it was revealed that thousands more Saskatchewan people have been thrown out of work. Today, Statistics Canada released the latest economic indicators which, once again, show links between this rise in unemployment and the Sask. Party’s mismanagement as well as their PST hike on everything from kids’ clothes, and food and drinks to home insurance and the construction industry.

“It’s certainly concerning when we hear that 7,800 more people are unable to find work than a year ago,” said NDP Jobs Critic Vicki Mowat. “What we are seeing more and more is that job-creating industries in Saskatchewan have been hit hard by the Sask. Party’s PST hike. It’s causing job losses and explains why we are seeing more people moving to other provinces to find better opportunities than ten years ago.”

While it has been growing in our neighbouring provinces, new housing construction in Saskatchewan has been declining. Statistics Canada shows that investments in new housing construction in Alberta is up 14.7 per cent compared to this time last year. It’s up 14.8 per cent in B.C. and 18.1 per cent in Manitoba. In stark contrast, in Saskatchewan, investment in new housing is down 7.6 per cent.

Food services and drinking places in Saskatchewan also took another hit, as January sales were down almost three per cent since last year.

“The Sask. Party has made it harder for Saskatchewan businesses to succeed and Saskatchewan people to find and keep jobs,” Mowat said. “Instead of creating more debt and forcing Saskatchewan people to pay for it, the Sask. Party should be investing in the economy and supporting businesses that create jobs.”

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