Sask NDP is attacking Premier Scott Moe for what they call a “slow and evasive” response to questions on Western independence, even though Moe clarified on Monday that he does not support breaking away from Canada.
The Sask NDP says Moe’s delay in denouncing Western independence sentiments has stoked uncertainty about Saskatchewan’s commitment to the country.
Moe was first asked about Western independence on Friday, when he was pressed on comments suggesting that a vote for the Liberal party in the federal election amounted to endorsing a split from Canada.
At that time, Moe refused to speak directly about Western independence, saying instead that Saskatchewan would work with any federal government.
Moe added that although his government disagrees with Ottawa on certain policies, the province remains a part of Canada.
During Monday’s Question Period, the Sask NDP demanded that Moe give a clear yes or no on his personal stance.
The premier sidestepped a direct response in the chamber, stating, “Every week, the leader of the Opposition says ‘condemn this individual, condemn this, condemn this.’ Those are just simply nothing but words … it’s policies that actually matter.”
Afterward, Moe met with reporters and emphasized that he does not support Western independence.
Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck expressed frustration with what she saw as Moe’s reluctance to condemn Western independence talk.
“I think this does matter to Saskatchewan,” said Beck.
“I think this should have been a very easy, an underhand toss, to the Premier, but he couldn’t find his feet today to come out with a clear condemnation of those who would break up our country.”
Sask NDP’s Energy and Resources Critic Sally Housser said the lack of clarity harms the province’s reputation.
Housser pointed to Moe’s recent trip to London, UK, where he promoted Saskatchewan to global investors.
“Was he telling investors, ‘I’m not sure about still being part of Canada’?” asked Housser.
“Is that what industry needs to hear when we’re asking people to invest in our province?”
Criticism intensified with news that Moe will speak later this week at the Canada Strong and Free Network Conference in Ottawa.
It is a gathering designed to put conservative ideas into action.
Moe calls his appearance personal, saying he will cover his own expenses.
However, the Sask NDP argues that the premier should denounce the event’s attendees if they support separating from Canada.
In the legislature, NDP MLA Nicole Sarauer also took aim at Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill, who is slated to speak on a panel about “common sense policies.”
Sarauer demanded that Cockrill cancel his trip and “condemn those who would seek to break up our country.”
Cockrill responded that he would remain at the legislature on Thursday to answer questions but defended his decision to attend the conference, saying, “Everybody on this side of the House is a proud Canadian.”
Moe insists that standing up for Saskatchewan’s interests does not conflict with national unity.
However, the Sask NDP argues that any flirtation with Western independence ideas sends the wrong signal about the province’s commitment to a unified Canada.