According to the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI), the number of newborns born in Saskatchewan hospitals has plummeted nearly 14.7 percent since Scott Moe became Premier and have come in for three consecutive years at a lower number than those born back in 2008-09, when CIHI began tracking the data.
In that first year, 13,922 babies were born in Saskatchewan hospitals and the number of annual births peaked at 15,410 in 2015-16 but has steadily dropped since. In 2022-23, that number had fallen drastically to just 13,135 births, followed by 12,956 in 2023-24 and a slight uptick to 13,026 births last year.
“The bottom line is families are finding it harder to put down roots and stay here in Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan,” Beck said. “The cost of living is hammering household budgets, we see no vision for the future of our provincial economy and this government has cut classroom funding for a decade straight.
“The result of all this? Fewer families in Saskatchewan. This is devastating for our future and more clear evidence that, after 20 years, it’s long past time for the Sask. Party to go.”
Shadow Minister for Childcare & Early Learning Joan Pratchler held a news conference Friday, just one day after Moe’s handpicked minister for childcare, Everett Hindley, announced he would be cutting grants and charging families for childcare occurring outside a standard workday. These changes will double the costs for some families.
“Imagine making critical childcare more expensive during a cost-of-living crisis,” Pratchler said. “These guys either don’t have a clue what they’re doing or don’t care — or both.”
The Moe government’s recent bad news budget provided no relief to make life more affordable, flatlined healthcare spending and cut capital that will delay much-needed school projects.
The Sask. Party has also rejected calls to control rent increases, cut the fuel tax and their $25-million annual tax on groceries. Moe has also recently rammed through hikes to power rates, car insurance rates, vehicle registration and so much more.
“I hear from young people and families all the time who want to build a life here, but they’re worried about costs, housing, and stability,” Pratchler said. “They’re making tough decisions, and many are deciding now just isn’t the right time to have a child. That’s heartbreaking — and it’s something we can do better on.”
“We need to make life more affordable and more predictable for families — whether that’s housing, childcare, or good-paying jobs.
“People should feel confident putting down roots and starting a family right here in Saskatchewan. It’s time for change.”
-30-