Beck commits to taking PST off groceries
For immediate release: September 12, 2024
Beck commits to taking PST off groceries
Sask. Party taxing groceries since 2017
SASKATOON - Today, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck committed to making life more affordable by eliminating Scott Moe’s remaining provincial tax on groceries.
“If it’s food and you buy it from a grocery store, you shouldn’t have to pay tax,” said Beck. “Cutting the Sask. Party’s grocery tax is one common-sense step we can take to put more money back into people’s pockets.”
The Sask. Party raised the PST from five per cent to six per cent and expanded it to essentials like groceries and clothes for kids under 18. Overall, the amount of PST Saskatchewan families pay has increased by over 40% since Scott Moe came to power.
Many staples of a good school lunch or quick family dinner are subject to the Sask. Party’s expanded grocery tax, including:
- Rotisserie chickens and hot ready-to-eat meals
- Pre-packaged salads
- Mixed and salted nuts
- Muffin and granola bars
- Protein and energy bars
- Certain fruit juices and yogurt drinks
- Cheese, meats, fruits and vegetables when packaged as a platter
- Sandwiches
Removing the PST from groceries would save Saskatchewan families approximately $500 over four years.
“Scott Moe justified his million-dollar trip to Dubai while piling taxes onto the family grocery bill,” said Beck. “It’s time for a change. You should be able to pay your bills and put a little away every month for your kids’ education and that well-deserved family vacation.
The affordability plan being put forward by Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP will save families hundreds of dollars every year. Earlier this week, Beck committed to removing the gas tax, removing the provincial sales tax the Sask. Party put on children’s clothing and putting measures in to stop out-of-control rent hikes.
Beck kicked off her campaign for change earlier this month with a guarantee to not raise taxes and will soon release a fully-cost platform that balances the budget in her first term.
