Field Notes - September 28, 2025

Two-thirds of Saskatchewan people say they're struggling to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. The Sask. Party government has quietly stacked the board and senior leadership of the Saskatchewan Health Authority with political loyalists and operatives. A Moose Jaw senior tragically passed away while living in his vehicle and waiting for supportive housing from a community-based organization the Sask. Party is refusing to fund. The Sask. Party blocked an NDP motion for the Provincial Auditor to probe grounded waterbombers and $100M in alleged overcharges. The Saskatchewan NDP has launched a province-wide consultation to deliver big, bold change in healthcare.

This and more in this edition of Field Notes.

Saskatchewan Health Agency Broken, In Need of Major Reform

The Sask. Party government has quietly stacked the board and senior leadership of the Saskatchewan Health Authority with political loyalists and operatives, rather than healthcare workers or experts. “It should be frontline workers and healthcare experts filling those senior positions, not the best buds of Moe and his Health Ministers,” said Meara Conway, Saskatchewan NDP Health Shadow Minister.

Watch Meara Conway take the Sask. Party to task in the video below:

Alleged $100 million overspend on planes could have helped fix biggest issues

Healthcare, policing, and so many more vital public services families rely on are being starved all while court documents show the Sask. Party government may have overspent on water bombers by $100 million.

The Saskatchewan NDP crunched the numbers and has identified at least 10 investments the government could have made to build a bright future for the people of Saskatchewan for $100 million:

$100M could fund key services graphic

Moose Jaw Senior Dies While Waiting For Supportive Housing

A Moose Jaw senior tragically passed away while living in his vehicle and waiting for supportive housing from a community-based organization the Sask. Party is refusing to fund.

Square One’s supportive housing program is operating at full capacity with 36 people housed and a waitlist of 50 individuals.

“People are working harder than ever and still falling behind,” said Brent Blakley, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Social Services. “When seniors, our young people, or anyone slips through the cracks, support should be there to help them get back on their feet. This cannot happen ever again.”

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the price of a two-bedroom apartment in Moose Jaw doubled after 17 years of the Sask. Party, going from $583 in 2007 to $1,177 in 2024.

Sask. Party Blocks Special Investigation into Waterbomber Fiasco

The Sask. Party has blocked a motion by the Saskatchewan NDP that would have compelled the Provincial Auditor to conduct a special investigation into the grounding of four waterbombers and allegations that taxpayers were overcharged $100 million for new planes.

Saskatoon Silverspring MLA Hugh Gordon moved the motion this past Monday at the start of Public Accounts – the committee of the Legislature empowered to bring about special investigations.

Saskatchewan Healthcare Is Broken, But Together, We Can Fix It

Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Health Minister Meara Conway and Shadow Minister for Rural and Remote Health Jared Clarke will be conducting a province-wide consultation on the future of healthcare in Saskatchewan.

“We used to lead the country in healthcare. Now, under the Sask. Party, we rank dead last,” said Conway. “Healthcare workers are leaving in droves. The system is broken, but we believe Saskatchewan people can help us fix it.”

Sask. Party Fails To Act As New Survey Finds People Stressed About Money & Debt

The new survey, conducted by Angus Reid, found cost of living was the No. 1 issue facing 62 per cent of Saskatchewan people. More than a quarter (26 per cent) said they were worried about the Sask. Party’s deficit and government spending.

As well, among Saskatchewan people surveyed:

66 per cent said they can’t keep up with the cost of living, the highest rate in the country
51 per cent say it is difficult to feed their household, the highest rate in the country
76 per cent say they’re stressed about money
69 per cent say debt is a source of stress in their household
57 per cent said they would not be able to manage a “one-time unexpected expense” of over $1000 this month
41 per cent said it is difficult to make either rent or mortgage payments
As well, 69 per cent said they’re going to restaurants less, 58 per cent said they’re less likely to order takeout, 56 per cent are spending less on entertainment and 50 per cent are spending less on travel and vacations