Saskatchewan New Democrats call for action to create green jobs, protect Saskatchewan economy

Official Opposition Leader Ryan Meili stood with Energy and Resources Critic Erika Ritchie to address the urgent need for action to protect Saskatchewan’s economy and our environment.

“Our focus must be on good jobs and prosperity for everyone in Saskatchewan. Climate change poses serious economic risks to Saskatchewan, in its effects on agriculture and our lives, and in the threats to an economy dependent on industries that will see their markets changing drastically. With the global economy changing, and the recent Supreme Court decision on carbon pricing, Saskatchewan needs to be at the forefront of climate action and green jobs,” said Meili. “We have the chance right here and now to take serious steps to insulate our economy from future shocks. We need a plan that diversifies our economy and puts us on the cutting edge of sustainable jobs for the future.”

Meili said that a made-in-Saskatchewan plan would:

Reduce Saskatchewan greenhouse gas emissions as part of Canada’s commitment to address global climate change
Ensure funds from carbon pricing in Saskatchewan are redistributed in a progressive manner that recognizes the distinct needs of rural communities and agriculture producers
Commit to a legislated target of 100 percent emissions-free electricity by 2050 and work with our Crown sector to meet that goal as soon as possible
Work with SaskPower to pursue all options for green energy jobs in wind, solar, geothermal, battery storage and other technologies
Develop a province-wide on-bill financing program, modeled on our Renew Saskatchewan proposal, to allow homeowners, renters and businesses to invest in renewable power and energy efficient retrofits
Increase funding for post-secondary institutions and Innovation Sask to find creative solutions that reduce emissions and create good jobs
Advocate to the federal government for enhanced support the development of new industries in the province, given the larger impact of changes on our economy

“Scott Moe’s plan isn’t working. Our emissions keep going up, we’re losing jobs and losing people. 23,000 more people are out of work than last year, and he turns up his nose at new industries for ideological reasons. He killed the solar industry, and has blown off opportunities to lead in geothermal and biofuels.” said Ritchie.“It’s time to chart a better course, one that takes climate change seriously, creates good, sustainable jobs and makes Saskatchewan a progressive leader with an economy that puts people first.”

Meili pointed out that any plan that will work for Saskatchewan has to be built with working people in mind to make sure these efforts translate into good, long-lasting jobs. To that end, he announced that the Saskatchewan NDP will be launching a series of consultations with experts from all sectors in Saskatchewan on how to implement a green jobs plan that puts people to work and works for people.

Latest posts

JEREMY COCKRILL IS FORCING HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO A STRIKE VOTE — AND HIS OWN COMMUNITY WILL PAY THE PRICE

Pattern Of Failed Bargaining Attempts Mean Workers Leaving For Good And Putting System In Increasing Danger: Roy
NORTH BATTLEFORD – Carla Beck’s team is in Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill’s own riding today, calling him out for forcing 14,000 desperately needed healthcare workers to vote on a strike as they have gone four years without a contract.

CARLA BECK’S TEAM CALLS FOR ACTION TO SUPPORT SASKATCHEWAN PRODUCERS IN WAKE OF DAMNING REPORT ON PRODUCERS BEING SHORTED AND SQUEEZED

Agriculture Producers Association Of Saskatchewan Says Costs Rising, Farm Share Falling For Saskatchewan Producers
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team, while taking in Ag in Motion in Langham, is calling on Scott Moe and the Sask. Party to take action to improve the bottom line for producers.

THE SASK. PARTY CLAIMS ABOUT IMPROVING SAID PROGRAM DON’T MATCH THE REALITY OF CLIENTS WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING TO GET BY

Scott Moe, Sask. Party Focused On Photo Ops & Political Spin While Those In Need Suffer
REGINA – Today, Carla Beck’s team is calling out the Sask. Party for their continual failures to provide sufficient support for SAID clients here in Saskatchewan.

POTENTIAL HEALTHCARE WORKER STRIKE ENTIRELY THE FAULT OF SCOTT MOE, JEREMY COCKRILL

Carla Beck’s Team Demands A Fair Deal For Frontline Workers After Four Years Without A Contract
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is laying the potential of a fall strike involving thousands of healthcare workers squarely at the feet of Scott Moe and his ignorant Health Minister — who seems to cause strikes everywhere he goes — and demanding immediate action to get to the bargaining table and deliver a fair deal.

NDP Caucus Office