Reviewing the past year, the Leader of the Saskatchewan NDP believes MLAs were effective in bringing issues to the Legislature and introducing people looking to tell their stories, whether it’s health care issues, Treaty rights and the cost-of-living increases, among others.

Carla Beck says the NDP is on the right path.  She believes there is momentum and positive signals like the party winning the Saskatoon-Meewasin byelection by the largest margin in that constituency’s history and the reception they receive when visiting communities.

Beck says that the NDP MLAs have been travelling the province, listening to the concerns of residents, and bringing awareness around what the party is about.

In the Premier’s review of the fall session, Scott Moe commented that the NDP voted in favour of the Saskatchewan First Act, but Beck says Bill 88 hasn’t had third reading yet, so there need to be some changes before voting in favour for the third reading.

She suggests there was no consultation with residents before introducing the Bill and in particular there was no consultation with First Nations leadership, with no talk of duty to consult or Treaty rights.

The NDP has voted to send Bill 88 to committee where amendments could be made.  Beck looks forward to the Sask. Party government correcting that lack of consultation.  The provincial government describes the Bill as a confirmation of Saskatchewan’s autonomy and exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources.
However, earlier this month First Nations leaders stated that if the bill isn’t nixed, there could be blockades, legal actions and other consequences.