SASKATCHEWAN DRIVERS DEMAND REVERSAL OF MOE’S PLANNED INSURANCE INCREASE

Financial Anxiety Highest In Country, Working People Can’t Afford To Pay More: Warrington
REGINA – Saskatchewan drivers relying on their vehicles to get to work and pick up their kids say Scott Moe shouldn’t be penalizing them for his financial mismanagement.

On Jan. 2, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) submitted a plan to increase insurance rates for 98 per cent of vehicles operating in the province. The hike comes following a massive increase to power bills by SaskPower, also announced on Jan. 2 and which came into effect Feb. 1.

On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan NDP intends to introduce The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act as people in the province report higher financial anxiety than anywhere else in Canada. Child poverty rates in the province are also highest in the nation.

“These hikes are going to hurt families already struggling to make ends meet — it’s not right,” said Darcy Warrington, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for SGI. “People were given no warning and, while there are claims of ongoing consultation, I would ask that Scott Moe show me any evidence he’s listening.

“Clearly, the hardworking and self-reliant people of Saskatchewan are paying for his mistakes.

Moe has doubled the province’s debt to $40 billion and is soon expected to table a budget with at least a $1-billion deficit.

On Tuesday, Warrington was joined at the Legislature by Saskatoon Stonebridge constituent Deepan Dasgupta, who has spoken out against the insurance hikes.

“In Saskatchewan, a car isn’t a luxury,” Dasgupta said. “People here rely on their cars to get to class, to work. Transit options are limited and distances are long. For households living on tight budgets, this rate hike is not marginal.”

Warrington called on all members of the Legislature to back his call to stop the SGI rate hike.

“People can hardly afford food and rent right now,” he said. “Still, they’re getting hit over and over with Sask. Party taxes and rate hikes. This has to stop — people deserve a government that’s got their backs. It’s time for change.”

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