REGINA – As the Saskatchewan Legislature prepares to hold a 75-minute debate on anti-Canada separatism, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Jobs and the Economy Aleana Young is calling on Premier Scott Moe to clearly and unequivocally reject the idea of Saskatchewan leaving Canada.
“The fact that we even have to discuss anti-Canada separatism speaks volumes,” Young said ahead of the debate. “Premier Moe had two opportunities this week to shut down talk of separation — and he didn’t. Saskatchewan people deserve better than vague answers when the unity and future of the country is on the line.”
Young’s comments come after Premier Moe declined to unequivocally rule out the possibility of a referendum on Saskatchewan’s future in Canada, saying instead in Question Period yesterday that it was unlikely to happen under current rules.
At the same time, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — a close ally of the Sask. Party — is changing her province’s rules with a bill that would make it far easier for citizens to trigger referenda on separation. Smith’s bill would lower the threshold for the number of petition signatures needed to trigger a separation referendum to just 10 per cent of voters who cast a ballot in the last election.
“A referendum — or even just talk of separation — is exactly what Donald Trump wants so he can pick us off one by one,” said Young. “Premier Smith opening the door wide to a referendum and the silence from Premier Moe could chase investment and jobs out of our province.
“We also know Scott Moe takes a lot of his political direction from Danielle Smith. He copied her Sovereignty Act, he copied her provincial police force, he copied her tax collection agency, and he played nice with Trump just like Smith, while Trump threatened the very existence of our country.”
Young said she will use today’s emergency debate to press the government to affirm Saskatchewan’s place in Canada, condemn Smith, and commit to rejecting any push for separation.
“Saskatchewan is stronger as a part of Canada. Full stop,” said Young. “Scott Moe needs to say it — clearly, unequivocally, and without conditions — Saskatchewan is part of Canada and will always be part of Canada.”
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