The Official Opposition feels that the latest provincial budget neglects both the cost-of-living and healthcare crisis and that the government will fall short of its 2030 jobs target.
The NDP said this is due to no tax relief, new tax credits or benefits for families, and no reversal of the Sask. Party’s recent energy and power rate hikes dispute the province sitting on massive resource revenues.
Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck said that this budget shows that the Sask. Party is widely out of touch with the priorities and the concerns of the people who call the province home.
“If you’re a parent struggling to make ends meet, this budget does not help you. If you’re a young person in this province hoping for investments in your future, this budget does not help you. If you’re a burnt-out healthcare worker, this budget does not help you. If you’re a student in an overcrowded classroom, this budget does not help you.”
“This is a budget that proves that Scott Moe and the party aren’t listening to you,” Beck continued. “This province has so much potential, so much opportunity, and we do see that in every corner of the province. But like every boom before it, the Sask Party is squandering that potential.”
The Sask. NDP said that individuals on SIS, SAP and SAID benefits would get a meagre dollar-a-day bump.
“Only 15% of folks say they’re better off financially now compared to a year ago. We have the second highest rates of financial insecurity in Canada, and despite the government sitting on massive resource revenues, there’s not a stitch of serious cost relief for ordinary Saskatchewan families,” she said. “Resources belong to Saskatchewan people, and it’s simply unfair for Moe to sit on a pile of cash while people are struggling to stay afloat.”
Beck also pointed out that this budget fails to rise to the challenges in our health system.
“Our health system is on the verge of collapse, and we still don’t see funding to support family docs, team-based care or community health advisory networks. They had a chance to bring forward an ambitious plan for our health system, and they blew it,” she said. “Instead, they’re ploughing forward with the same old plan that the provincial auditor lambasted.”
Overall the NDP said this budget was out-of-touch and missed the moment.