Sask NDP demands budget focus on economic resilience, affordability, revitalize public services
Sask NDP is urging the Saskatchewan government to prioritize measures in Wednesday’s budget that address mounting economic challenges, including a global trade war, rising living costs, and healthcare and education challenges.
Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck criticized Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party’s approach as inadequate and short-sighted after 17 years in power.
“The Sask Party government continues to fail the people of Saskatchewan—after 17 years, they’re out of ideas and breaking promises,” said Beck.
“People are looking for leaders focused on their future. Instead of moving us forward, this government is taking us backward.”
Beck emphasized the need for immediate action to cut costs for families, diversify Saskatchewan’s economy, and rescue healthcare and education from what the NDP calls “last-place status” in national rankings.
Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon echoed these concerns, targeting the Sask Party’s delayed tax relief plan, which he said offers no tangible savings until 2026.
Wotherspoon also condemned Moe’s government for lacking a concrete strategy to counter US tariffs, including a 25% duty already impacting the province’s steel sector and potential new tariffs set to start on April 2.
“Scott Moe’s response to the Trump trade war has been the weakest in the country—slow, meek, and leaving industries and communities at risk,” said Wotherspoon.
“Families and businesses deserve a government that fights to diversify our markets, reduce reliance on the US, and position Saskatchewan as a future economic powerhouse.”
The NDP’s demands come amid growing anxiety over affordability and public service issues such as reduced emergency room hours at Saskatoon City Hospital.
Wotherspoon pointed out repeated calls to address soaring utility bills and housing costs have gone unanswered, while healthcare wait times and classroom overcrowding continue.
Moe has yet to detail specific measures to mitigate trade disruptions or provide immediate financial relief.
The NDP argues the government’s reliance on resource-driven growth leaves the province vulnerable to external shocks.
As Saskatchewan awaits Wednesday’s budget, the NDP insists the moment demands bold investments in innovation, education, and healthcare, not just “empty promises” from an “out-of-touch” government.
“Saskatchewan people are resilient,” said Wotherspoon.
“But they need leaders who match their ambition with real solutions.”
The provincial budget will be presented on Wednesday afternoon.
