For immediate release: May 23, 2025
REGINA — The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on Premier Scott Moe to finally denounce Unified Grassroots after the group’s leader, Nadine Ness, openly said she is campaigning for Saskatchewan to become the 51st state of the United States.
Speaking about her petition campaign during an appearance on the Evan Bray Show on Thursday, Ness said:
“We’re gathering everyone who is not happy with the way things are. Like I said, it can be from full-on separation. It can be from joining the 51st state. It can be just from supporting Scott Moe as he takes a strong stance against Ottawa.”
“It's dangerous, delusional, and completely out of step with the values of most Saskatchewan people,” said Aleana Young, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister of Jobs and the Economy.
“Premier Moe needs to change his tune and clearly and publicly denounce Unified Grassroots and its leadership. Silence is complicity – and scaring the hell out of job creators looking to invest in our province.”
Moe has previously shrugged off calls to condemn the separatist group with Sask. Party ties, including on May 6:
“Mr. Speaker, ‘denounce,’ ‘condemn’ have been calls from the members opposite for days now on the floor of this Assembly and in front of this building. Will you denounce this person? Will you condemn that person? Will you condemn this person?”
Unified Grassroots’ separatist townhall campaign launches this weekend in Saskatoon and is expected to visit 15 towns and cities across the province this summer. The Regina town hall has been announced for June 22.
“Suggesting Saskatchewan become the 51st American state is dangerous and it will kill jobs and investment — we could see whole head offices vanish,” said Young. “This all plays right into Donald Trump’s hands. He wants to divide us so he can dominate us.
“I am proud to be Canadian and that goes the same for my 26 colleagues. I really have to start asking why it’s so hard for Scott Moe to say the same.
"It should not be difficult for him — and every member of the Sask. Party Caucus for that matter to show some leadership and denounce Unified Grassroots’ separatist campaign once and for all.”
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