Premier Scott Moe says he will not silence Saskatchewan residents who want to talk about Western independence, even as the Sask NDP warns such rhetoric could hurt the province’s economy.Reporters pressed Moe this week about Unified Grassroots, a citizens group pitching a referendum on Saskatchewan sovereignty. Moe refused to denounce the campaign.“I’m not going to be condemning individuals who are having discussions about the future of their province and the future of our nation,” said Moe. He added that many frustrations stem from “detrimental policies” set in Ottawa, not from an actual wish to break up the country..Sask NDP Trade and Export Development Critic Kim Breckner said, “Scott Moe’s refusal to condemn this separatist movement will scare investors and job creators out of the province … This is absolutely irresponsible.” “Saskatchewan’s future is in Canada,” said Breckner. “The status quo isn’t good enough, but neither is giving up on our country.”Moe insisted free speech and pride in Canada can coexist. “There’s this thought that you are unable to be a proud Canadian but still have questions with respect to the policies that our federal government is putting forward, and I just don’t simply,” Moe told reporters. “I simply don’t accept that.”.Moe stressed he remains committed to a united country but wants a “reset” with the federal government. Moe said the Sask Party and he are “very much proud as Canadians and believe in a united Canada.”For now, Unified Grassroots plans to keep hosting town halls on Western independence, with about 20 planned across the province. Moe says they have every right to be heard, and he is leaving the decision to Saskatchewan voters.
