As Canada’s federal election campaign begins, Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling on federal party leaders to commit to tackling critical issues she says have been overlooked in the province, including equalization reform, affordable childcare, and rural connectivity.
Beck outlined her demands in letters sent to Liberal Leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh this week.
She accused Trudeau’s government of ignoring Saskatchewan’s needs during his time as prime minister, citing policies she claims harmed the province.
“You have an opportunity to chart a new course and deliver change,” Beck wrote, asking leaders to address priorities she argues are non-partisan but vital for Saskatchewan’s future.
Key items on Beck’s agenda include scrapping the federal carbon tax, expanding global market access for provincial exports through investments in ports, rail, and pipelines, and protecting jobs at Regina’s Evraz steel plant by maintaining tariffs on Chinese steel.
She also called for lifting Chinese trade barriers on Saskatchewan farm products.
Infrastructure and rural needs feature prominently in Beck’s list.
She pressed for twinning the Trans-Canada Highway to boost safety and efficiency, along with faster rural broadband expansion.
The provincial NDP leader further demanded increased RCMP staffing and protections for Regina’s Depot Division training academy.
On healthcare, Beck pushed for higher federal transfers to cut wait times while preserving coverage for dental care, contraceptives, and insulin.
She also urged Ottawa to sign a renewed childcare funding deal to safeguard $10-a-day spaces and create new ones, coupled with expanded school meal programs.
Beck emphasized the need for “realistic” net-zero timelines for Saskatchewan’s power grid, arguing energy policies must balance environmental goals with economic practicality.
She also stressed honouring federal commitments to indigenous communities, including equitable on-reserve services.
A central demand is reforming Canada’s equalization formula to better account for natural resource revenues and rural challenges, which has been a long-standing concern in Saskatchewan.
“These are not partisan issues — they are Saskatchewan priorities,” said Beck.
“Having an ambitious federal government that steps up for people here is key to building a brighter future.”
The letter comes as federal parties campaign for support in a province where the Conservative Party traditionally dominates and is expected to take 13 of the province’s 14 seats.
Beck positioned her requests as essential for addressing gaps left by Premier Scott Moe’s Sask Party, which she accused of neglecting Saskatchewan.
With voters set to head to the polls, Beck’s appeal signals provincial NDP efforts to pressure federal leaders on issues affecting Saskatchewan’s economy, services, and communities.
“It’s time to deliver real progress,” said Beck.