NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter said today that the official
opposition is prepared to hold the Wall Government to account as members return
to the 24th session of the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
"As Leader of the Official Opposition, my team of MLAs and I
have spent countless hours touring the province, listening to various
stakeholders on the issues that affect them the most," said Lingenfelter. "I
have personally met with students, parents, seniors, educators and many others
who have told me they are worried about health care, the cost of living and
finances. These are very real concerns that the NDP has always taken seriously,
and they will be some of the main issues we will bring forward over the course
of the spring session."
Lingenfelter said higher utility rates are making it harder
for residents to make ends meet and noted that wages are not keeping up with
the cost of living. SaskWater announced this week that over 26 communities will
see a 9% increase beginning in April. Adding to the financial burden is
SaskPower's announcement just two weeks ago of a potential rate increase of
7.5% to 8.5% in August.
"Brad Wall's government has made life unaffordable for
students, young professionals, seniors and families. The housing crisis in
urban centres such as Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw has gotten worse," he
said. "Our communities are seeing population growth but are not getting the
support they need or would expect from the Wall Government. School boards were
forced to dip into reserve funds and health regions are running huge deficits.
Municipalities are not getting the full PST percentage point they were
promised, which translates into higher property taxes for everyone. Can people
really continue to afford to pay for Brad Wall's financial mismanagement?"
questioned Lingenfelter.
Lingenfelter said the Wall Government's re-payment of
royalties to potash companies signifies Brad Wall's broader problems of
managing the province's finances. He noted the Sask. Party's $1 billion deficit
and inability to balance the books has led to a list of broken promises and
endless cuts taken away from Saskatchewan's towns and cities.
"It's time the Wall Government takes responsibility. Their
record in government proves they are anything but committed to being an
accountable and transparent government. Saskatchewan's communities expect and
deserve experienced leaders who can manage the finances, demonstrate creative
vision and deliver results. They are not getting that with the Wall
Government," concluded Lingenfelter.
