“Whether it’s groceries or clothing or buying a new set of winter tires for safety, these guys will find a way to line their pockets,” said Aleana Young, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Economy & Jobs.
“We are in a cost-of-living crisis but rather than helping families, this Sask. Party government continues to double down on its 18-year record of driving up costs — literally in this case.”
According to a memo obtained by AllSaskatchewan, the fee charged by the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan is set to rise 30 per cent on Dec. 1. In all, 1.1 million new passenger tires are purchased annually in Saskatchewan, bringing the total generated by the Sask. Party tax to roughly $7 million annually. While the Sask. Party will claim Tire Stewardship is independent, any change to its fees charged on tires must be approved by Minister of Environment Travis Keisig.
The Sask. Party also slaps $20 million in tax on children’s clothing and $25 million in taxes on groceries annually. All of these taxes on everyday essentials comes as Saskatchewan people report greater financial anxiety than anywhere else in Canada.
To make matters worse, the province lost 1,500 jobs in October and Scott Moe has the second-worst job creation record in the country since taking office.
“People tell us they’re working harder and harder and falling farther behind,” Young said. “Now, we see that even the tires they need to get to work or pick up their kids from school are being taxed at rates never seen before.
“My message today is simple — it’s time to pump the brakes on this hike to the Sask. Party’s tired, old $7-million-per-year tire tax.”
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