Legislative Report, March 28, 2005

If you thought record revenues from oil and gas revenues would result in money going back to the people of Saskatchewan, you were dead wrong. This is what Saskatchewan families have to look forward to this year:

 

• No increase in revenue sharing for urban and rural municipalities. This will almost certainly mean homeowners will face higher property taxes.

   

• No reduction in personal income taxes which means the NDP continues to break its election promise on lowering taxes.

   

• No business tax reductions. This means our businesses will continue to face the highest taxes in the country.

   

• No tax relief for low income earners, which means those needing the break the most, will continue to pay the highest taxes in Canada.

   

• No new money for K-12 operating grants, a decision which may result in a teacher’s strike. No money for school boards to cover any negotiated wage settlement.

   

• No commitment to fully fund the CAIS program for 2004. That means Saskatchewan farmers must once again struggle with financial uncertainty.

   

• No commitment to additional treatment beds for those suffering from addictions. That means many families looking for help in dealing with crystal meth and other deadly addictions will have nowhere to turn.

   

• No specific target on waiting lists – only a vague commitment to continue monitoring the problem. That means people will continue suffer on the longest waiting lists in Canada or head out of province for much needed surgery.

   

• No promise to move off the 0-1-1 public sector wage mandate. That means Saskatchewan will continue to lose nurses, teachers and other professionals to other provinces.

This NDP government will spend over $7 billion, put us in a deficit, and do nothing for those who need it most like our producers, nurses and teachers, as well as low- and moderate- income earners. Being Saskatchewan’s Centennial Year, the people of this province were looking for some sort of vision or legacy from the Calvert NDP; this budget proves that Calvert and his gang are simply out of ideas. The NDP government sees this budget as “Building for the next 100 years.” Yet their lack of vision, focus and innovation proves no one will remember this budget 100 days from now. We in the Saskatchewan Party are ready. We have solid leadership, solid vision and a solid plan. It is time we fulfilled the promise of Saskatchewan and recognized the huge potential of this province.

Past Legislative Reports