The Spring Sitting ends today, and during Question Period in the Legislative Assembly, The Leader of the Opposition Carla Beck took the opportunity to point out the Premier broke a major promise concerning our country and economic future, referring to his promise of a free vote on the Saskatchewan NDP’s Bill to keep Saskatchewan in Canada. Instead, the Premier has blocked every attempt to vote on that bill. The Saskatchewan NDP expressed concern over the Premier’s political allies, who continue to push separatism, which could cost jobs, head offices and investments in this province.
The Premier’s response was to tell the NDP to take notice of what is happening in our province, indicating Saskatchewan has the strongest economy in the nation, best job creation record, the lowest unemployment rate, the strongest wholesale trade growth, the most affordable place to live in all of Canada, has the only balanced budget in the country and the only no carbon tax province in Canada. The Premier said Saskatchewan is the best province to live, work, raise a family, build a home and start a business and life.
Premier Moe said, “We are not going to let all the chatter of separation from the NDP in anyway, interrupt the trajectory and the opportunity and the success that the Saskatchewan people are seeing.”
The opposition Leader refuted his claims adding the Premier has the worst full time job creation record, and second worst GDP increase compared to other provinces, since he started his term.
Beck brought up how they started this session in the middle of an existential threat from Donald Trump and accused the Premier of “Sitting on his hands and as we face the rising threat of separatism.” She went on to say the premier could throw water on the flames today and asked, “Why won’t he?”
Premier Moe did not answer the question and instead stated the Opposition brought up separatism 132 times on the floor of this assembly. Moe referred back to what he said previously about what is happening in Saskatchewan today, repeating they have the strongest economy in the nation, the best job creation record, the lowest unemployment rate, the strongest wholesale growth rate, only balanced budget, only carbon tax-free province in the nation, that’s why Saskatchewan is the best place to live, raise a family and build a career.
Beck accused the Premier of using the same tired talking points and said he was reaching from decades ago to distract from his failures. “They cut funding to healthcare, education and continued to tax families on groceries and children’s clothing. Yesterday, we revealed they did all of this to Saskatchewan people while they continued to pump money to a firm that funds campaigns for Donald Trump, JD Vance, Marco Rubio and more – those who are seeking to break our country. Is this government really going to continue to cut healthcare and education, while they defend funneling money to Donald Trump and his buddies?”
Moe answered, “An increase to healthcare in this year’s budget was $485 million, to ensure Saskatchewan people have access to healthcare professionals and timely surgery”.
The free vote on the Bill did not occur before moving on.
Concerns on how the Sask. Party is using money, Saskatchewan NDP MLA and Deputy House Leader Meara Conway said, “There’s far better ways to spend our money than funneling MAGA, who is hellbent on destroying our Canadian economy. How many Donald Trump supporters are there on that side?”
House Speaker Todd Goudy felt it was not relevant to inquire about Donald Trump supporters.
Minister of Trade and Export Hon. Warren Kaeding says, “This government is focused on building the economy and the results have shown.” Kaeding referred to repeating Premier Moe’s above points.
Saskatchewan NDP MLA Vicki Mowat suggested there are so many places the funding can go to help people in our province, such as CT scanners, instead of funneling to Donald Trump.
Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Health says they are very engaged in the community in Moosomin where they are training more doctors, enhancing services, and investing in addiction facilities.
MLA Mowat spoke up stating multiple times the Sask. Party promised CT scanners, but none have been delivered due to the Sask. Party cuts to healthcare. She asked, “Why in the world would they not approve that scanner?”
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Hon. Lori Carr spoke about how they are adding seats, spaces and help for people struggling with addictions and will continue to do that work.
MLA Betty Nippi-Albright said, “Thousands are dying and our emergency services are stretched thin dealing with it. What does the Minister have to say to all the people fighting to support these people day in, day out?”
Minister Carr said she would say, “Thank you”.
In a last-ditch effort to have Bill 604 “Keep Saskatchewan in Canada Act” get voted on, Deputy House Leader Conway made a request to move the motion, but the Saskatchewan Party did not oblige.
