Ahead of the official start of the election campaign, we asked our readers what the most important issues were facing the province. One of the biggest issues facing Saskatchewan, according to those who took part in the poll, is affordability, and the cost of living.
As part of the campaign, each political party releases the platform of what they will do if they form government. This is what each party has said, so far, when it comes to affordability.
Saskatchewan Party
The Saskatchewan Party has highlighted three items that could fall under the affordability umbrella so far. They have announced they will reduce personal income tax and raise the low-income tax credit, saving a family of four $2100 over four years, and $3400 over four years with the indexation of personal tax rates. This move would remove 54,000 people from the provincial income tax rolls. The Sask Party is also promising to increase the Graduate Retention Program by 20 per cent, and they will double the Active Families Benefit from $150 per year per child to $300.
NDP
The NDP have come out with a few promises to help with affordability. The biggest is the suspension of the provincial gas tax. As well, they will remove the PST on grocery items such as pre-packaged salads, nuts, and sandwiches. They will also remove the PST on children’s clothing. The NDP are also looking to implement a Landlord and Tenant Rent Protection Act to ensure predictability and affordability in the rental market. The NDP has also promised to not increase taxes.
Sask United
The Sask United Party’s platform calls for a reduction of the PST from 6 per cent to 3 per cent, and not just the suspension of the gas tax, but the elimination of it. There would also be a 65 per cent discount on property taxes for primary residences for all citizens 65 years of age or older.
Progressive Conservatives
The Progressive Conservative Party’s affordability platform includes a PST rebate for all new home construction, and a plan to help with mortgages for first-time home buyers or those who can’t afford their home after a mortgage renewal. They will also look to build 5000 homes and living units over five years for first-time home buyers. They will remove the PST from restaurant meals, children’s clothing, and school supplies. The PC Party’s plan also calls for improvements to food security, including converting unsold and unleased former SLGA buildings into distribution stores to market fruits and vegetables.
Green Party
The Green Party is proposing the creation of a guaranteed living income, which would ensure each citizen’s income doesn’t fall below the level needed to meet basic needs. This would be set at a threshold that will let people live, but still encourage income generation. The Green Party would also pilot a program piloted in Finland that has seen savings of $21,000 per person by reducing expenditures on emergency services. There would also be a cap on how much landlords could increase rent.
Buffalo Party
So far, the Buffalo Party has not announced anything in terms of affordability as part of their platform. However, that will likely change as we get closer to October 28th, and this will be updated to reflect any announcements that they make.