NDP Leader Ryan Meili committed today to bring tax fairness to Saskatchewan by introducing a wealth tax of 1% on those with net worth of over $15 million. This measure would bring in $120 million annually to the General Revenue Fund to help pay for:
“Under Scott Moe and the Sask. Party, life is getting harder. Even before the pandemic hit, people were feeling stretched and stressed,” said Meili. “They want to tell you there are no options – that we have to settle for four more years of austerity, which means deep cuts to health care and education. That’s not right. It’s time for a tax plan that puts people first – not the Sask. Party’s old boys’ club.”
Based on estimates for the Parliamentary Budget Office, the Saskatchewan NDP’s proposal defines family net wealth as the total financial and non-financial assets, and subtracts their liabilities.
Meili also committed that the New Democrats would not raise taxes on everyday families.
Economist Angella MacEwan endorsed this new measure: “Ryan Meili and the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party are taking an important and timely measure to shift the tax burden onto those most able to afford it. As provincial economies recover from the impact of COVID-19, it is essential that working families are able to rely on functioning public services that meet their needs."
Under Scott Moe’s leadership, the Sask. Party has not balanced a single budget. The last time the Sask. Party faced financial pressures, they made deep cuts while increasing the PST on Saskatchewan families by more than $700 per year. Despite this massive tax increase on everyone in the province, the Sask. Party still managed to blow the rainy-day fund on their failed pet projects:
“The choices made by the Sask. Party have left us much more vulnerable to moments like this. They squandered the boom and tripled the debt – and left everyday families to pay the price,” said Meili. “We don’t have to settle for Scott Moe’s cuts. We can do better – and ask the wealthiest amongst us to help ensure every family has access to the health care they need, when they need it.”
REGINA—Saskatchewan New Democrats unanimously approved a solidarity motion with the people of Ukraine, as well as all Saskatchewan people with friends and family in the region at Provincial Council on February 26, 2022.
REGINA—The Saskatchewan New Democrats set the rules and timing for a leadership contest at Provincial Council on February 26th. The new leader will be elected at a leadership convention in Regina in late June, 2022.
All Saskatchewan New Democratic Party members in good standing will be eligible to vote online or by mail-in ballot.
Standing with New Democratic Party candidate Melissa Patterson in Moose Jaw Wakamow today, NDP Leader Ryan Meili called on voters in his hometown to reject Scott Moe’s plan for dangerous cuts during a pandemic.