Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling on the province to make sure Saskatchewan is at the table when the federal government increases defense spending to the tune of $6.6 billion dollars.

Describing it as a huge economic opportunity for the province Beck wants the provincial government to work with the federal government to recruit more Canadian Armed Forces members in both the regular force and in reserve units to create positions in Moose Jaw, Dundurn, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Yorkton, and Regina.

And with those individuals posted to locales like Moose Jaw and Dundurn, the NDP wants investment in housing and infrastructure as well as expanded access to childcare and mental health supports for military families.

The NDP also envisions partnering with local manufacturers and businesses to increase interment in industries like steelmaking and agricultural drones to help supply the Canadian Armed Forces with next generation capabilities.