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.”

Latest posts

More Affordable Housing, Rent Control Also Part Of Plan Being Developed By Beck’s Team 
MOOSE JAW – Carla Beck’s team is in Moose Jaw today committing that, should they form the next provincial government, her team will restore direct-to-landlord rent payments for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) clients. 

PRINCE ALBERT – Yesterday, Carla Beck’s team released the first phase of their plan to deliver big, bold changes in healthcare for Saskatchewan, which starts with prioritizing primary care. Today, MLA Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Minister for Health, has brought the plan to Prince Albert to discuss how it can revitalize healthcare for residents in the area.

Four-Pillar Plan Will Build Healthcare Homes, Connect Local Services and Bring Care Closer to People 
SASKATOON – Carla Beck’s team is unveiling the first phase of its plan to transform the province’s struggling healthcare system — guaranteeing every Saskatchewan resident access to a primary care team that knows them, coordinates their care and is responsible for them over time.  

Carla Beck’s Team Stand With Hunters To Decry Shortsighted, Out-Of-Touch Decision By Sask. Party 
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is continuing to join widespread calls from hunters and wildlife groups for Scott Moe to reverse his senseless cut to chronic wasting disease testing. The decision was made without consultation or warning in the middle of Saskatchewan's hunting season. 

Share this post