“Young people — our literal future — are leaving, and Scott Moe and the Sask. Party haven’t even asked them why or done anything to fix what is driving them away,” said Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader. “We are going to engage them directly, take their ideas to lower the cost-living crisis, build affordable housing, end the disaster in healthcare, deliver high-quality education and so much more.
“It really is time for change and young Saskatchewan leaders are going to help us drive that change.”
On Wednesday, the project formally launched at YourFutureYourSay.ca. On that site, visitors can offer their ideas, view those put forward by others and make plans to attend upcoming in-person events in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Yorkton and elsewhere.
The project comes as Saskatchewan’s population declined for the first time in 20 years in December. That month also saw 4,000 jobs lost in the province, and new survey data released showed that four-in-10 people are borrowing money or piling on debt just to make ends meet.
“We know the cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on young people,” said Noor Burki, Saskatchewan NDP MLA for Regina Coronation Park and co-leader of the Your Future, Your Say project. “We need action on housing, to lower the cost of food and to create more jobs with bigger paycheques.
“We need to support public education and ensure it’s accessible. If we do all of these things, our young people will stop asking for luggage as a graduation gift — they will stay right here and build their futures in Saskatchewan.
Also leading the Your Future, Your Say project is Saskatoon University-Sutherland MLA Tajinder Grewal. A series of policy recommendations will be developed as the consultation across the project proceeds.
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