September 24, 2024 | Advertise with us

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NDP announces healthcare, northern plans

Healthcare

NDP leader Carla Beck was in Regina to talk about healthcare on Monday. Beck pledged $1.1 billion for frontline services in front of the Regina General Hospital.

“Public healthcare was born right here in Saskatchewan, but our system has been driven into chaos by Scott Moe and the Sask. Party,” said Beck. “Families deserve care when and where they need it, and that’s what a Saskatchewan NDP government intends to deliver.”

Beck continued, saying an NDP government would ensure everyone has access to a family doctor and emergency services, saying “The Sask. Party has not hired enough doctors and nurses, plain and simple. We’re losing out to other provinces. We don’t have enough frontline workers to serve our population. We need to staff up and then we need to keep them here.” The NDP’s plan is to hire more doctors and phase out travel nurses.

The NDP is saying they will release a fully-costed platform that will not raise taxes and will balance the budget in four years.

On the same day, the Saskatchewan Party government touted its progress in healthcare recruitment and retention. A news release from the province said that over $300 million has been invested in the past two years to support its Health Human Resource (HHR) plan, which was implemented to recruit and retain more health workers in the province, including doctors and nurses.

The Far North

The NDP leader spent the weekend touring the Athabasca riding and the far north of the province.

Beck committed that an NDP government would apologize and take ownership for the damage caused to First Nations and Métis people at the Île-à-la-Crosse and Timber Bay residential schools. She said, “It is long past time for the provincial government to take responsibility for what happened at these schools and provide the support people need - and I’m committed to doing that as premier.”

The NDP leader also announced a Northern Strategy. The plan includes investing in Highways 155 and 123 among other promises the NDP has made related to education, safety, and affordability.

Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

Learn more about the great work the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and its members are doing at saskheavy.ca.

Chad for Mayor: Meet Regina’s 7th Mayoral Candidate

Another resident of the Queen City has put their name forward to serve as Mayor. Engineer Chad Bachynski is the latest candidate in the race.

Bachynski said, “Regina faces significant challenges—rising taxes, prolonged construction projects, and increasing debt without a clear reduction plan. With over a decade of experience managing large-scale projects, I am committed to reviewing and optimizing city processes to ensure efficient spending.” He continued, “As Mayor, I will prioritize process improvement, infrastructure investment, and fiscal responsibility. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for Regina.”

His key pillars are affordability and public safety.

Incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters will face a challenging campaign against seven other candidates. Bachynski joins Councillor Lori Bresciani, Bill Pratt, Brandon Abotsway, Shawn Sparvier, and Kevin Kardash.

Sponsored by Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Join the Saskatchewan Chamber for an in-depth discussion featuring prominent Saskatchewan political leaders.

Today, September 24, Hon. Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development; Immigration and Career Training, and Hon. Jim Reiter, Minister of Energy & Resources, will offer the Saskatchewan Party’s perspectives on key issues. 

On September 26, NDP Leader Carla Beck will lead a discussion on her party’s vision for the province.

Learn more and register here.

Wyant pledges to address affordability and spending as Block focuses on safety in Saskatoon

The two major Mayoral candidates in Saskatoon are ramping up messaging as we get closer to the municipal vote this fall.

Gordon Wyant said on Monday, “If you look at your tax bill, you will see the core priorities of the municipality. Policing, fire, infrastructure, roads. Those kinds of things, that’s where we really need to refocus our responsibilities when it comes to funding.” He continued the video by saying the City has moved forward with ‘pet projects’ that may be important to the city, but the City needs to prioritize the core services first.

In the social media post, Wyant said he would support capping budget increases for the city.

Meanwhile, City Councillor Cynthia Block is amping up messaging around safety. Block said, “Saskatoon is facing complex challenges, giving rise to more violent and organized crime. This requires more police resources, but also new strategies to build a strong resilient city that embeds community safety into the fabric of its neighbourhoods.” Block is calling for what she calls a ‘whole city approach’ to tackle this complex issue. She is also proposing a 24/7 drop-in youth centre.

Block continued, “Community safety goes beyond policing - it’s about building a strong social fabric that fosters connection, trust and resilience. I will champion the community-building tools that strengthen these relationships, ensuring a safer city for everyone.”

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Saskatchewan’s Aly Bear looks to become FSIN Chief

In a show of force, more than 15 chiefs, various council members, Senators and Elders of different Saskatchewan First Nations supported the candidacy of Aly Bear for the top post of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

Bear is looking to become the group’s second female chief. She will challenge incumbent Chief Bobby Cameron who was first elected in 2015 and is seeking a fourth term.

Bear said, “I was having a hard time as the [FSIN’s] Third Vice Chief, being able to make enough movement and push to implement change that our people needed to see. And I know that our people desperately need change. Time is of the essence when it comes to all the issues and challenges that we face. And so, right now, we don't have that much time. Before climate change and the meth crisis worsens. Before missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples got worse. Before, over-incarceration rates got worse. The time is now, and we must step up and act.”

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has 74 member nations in the province. The vote will be held on October 31.

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More news and info

• 'From hell to limbo': Michael Kovrig describes more than a thousand days as China's prisoner (CBC News)

• B.C. Election: Conservative Leader John Rustad regrets taking COVID vaccine (Vancouver Sun)

• House Speaker Greg Fergus asks MPs to behave better in question period after incident (Canadian Press)

• Organizer 'devastated' after fire damages Cathedral community fridge (CBC Sask.)

2024 Election Candidate Tracker