Premier Scott Moe has announced ahead of the first quarter budget report to be released Tuesday that thanks to higher resource prices, every Saskatchewan resident 18 and over will be getting a cheque in the mail in the fall for $500, to help with the higher cost of living.
Moe says Saskatchewan’s economy is bouncing back – more people are working, exports are up, and the province’s finances are improving much faster than expected, largely due to the resource sector.
He adds that the resources belong to everyone and they are driving the economy “from a deficit to a surplus”.
But that also means prices have gone up, so that’s where the $500 affordability tax credit cheque comes in. Moe adds that other important measures will be announced on Tuesday about paying down debt and helping small businesses.
Meanwhile the opposition NDP says that while Saskatchewan families have been struggling with historic inflation rates, rising cost of living and record gas prices, the Sask. Party government sat on billions in revenues while increasing taxes and utility rates. The NDP refers to the $500 affordability cheque which is coming in the mail as ‘buy’-election bucks.
Finance critic Trent Wotherspoon says the government should have offered relief months ago, which is what the NDP has been calling for, in addition to scrapping their new taxes, utility increases and fee hikes.
He points out that while other provincial governments acted to provide affordability relief, the Sask. Party has waited until right before their byelection call and says the Sask. Party consistently puts their political interests above the wellbeing of the people of Saskatchewan.
As of July 1, 2022, the seat for the provincial constituency of Saskatoon Meewasin is vacant, and by legislation, a by-election must be held within six months, or by January 1, 2023. A date for the by-election has yet to be set by the provincial government.
The seat became vacant with the resignation of former NDP Leader Ryan Meili. The NDP nominated Nathaniel Teed a small business owner and former teacher to run. The Sask. Party chose Kim Groff, a businessman who previously ran for the party. Liberal leader Jeff Walters is also running in the by-election.
