October 3, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Moe promises to expand the Graduate Retention Program if re-elected

In a video posted to social media on Wednesday, Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe touted the Graduate Retention Program, where postsecondary graduates can earn up to $20,000 in tax rebates.

In Saskatoon, Moe pledged that a re-elected Saskatchewan Party government would expand the program by 20%, offering up to $24,000 in rebates for graduates. He also promised a $5,000 rebate for those who obtain a Class 1 Trucker’s license.

Moe said, “The Graduate Retention Program has already benefited over 85,000 Saskatchewan grads and it will help many more in the years ahead as they start their careers here, build their futures and their families right here in Saskatchewan. Creating more opportunities for young people in Saskatchewan is part of our plan for a strong economy and a bright future.”

Joined by two students at a press conference at the Saskatoon Fairview campaign office, Moe claimed the NDP would cancel the program and went on the offensive, saying “By cancelling the Graduate Retention Program, the NDP would choose to burden post-secondary grads with hundreds of millions of dollars in additional taxes. This is essentially a tax increase. They would be offsetting their reckless spending commitments on the backs of our provinces future, on the backs of our children. Higher taxes, decline, loss, and closures. Not only is that the NDP’s record, that is the NDP’s plan that we can see clearly here today.”

The NDP’s Matt Love told reporters later in the day that what Moe said is ‘not true’ and that the Graduate Retention Program was an NDP idea to begin with.

This continues Moe’s first days of the campaign focused on affordability and tax relief.

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.

Beck campaigns in Prince Albert

NDP leader Carla Beck was in Prince Albert yesterday campaigning with local candidates, nurse Carolyn Brost Strom and former MLA Nicole Rancourt. The NDP are looking to win both seats in Prince Albert.

Beck told the media that Saskatchewan does not have a revenue problem, it has a management problem. She also reiterated her plan to scrap the proposed Marshal’s Service which would be located in Prince Albert.

Beck and the NDP are making a play to win seats in smaller cities. Beck also spoke with media in Moose Jaw yesterday, saying, “What I do know is that the people of Moose Jaw deserve so much better than the representation they’ve been getting.”

While NDP leader was in Prince Albert, NDP candidate Trent Wotherspoon held a news conference in Regina where he said the Sask. Party raised taxes “31 times in a single year”. He said, “We want to lay out a program that’s fiscally responsible and that we know we can deliver. And we know with what we’ve put together here, with a fully costed platform, we can deliver this and we can keep our word.” The NDP is expected to release a fully costed platform soon.

Sponsored by Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is promoting its “Fueling Momentum 2024” policy platform as a key resource for the upcoming provincial election. Developed through extensive consultations with the Saskatchewan business community, this platform outlines key priorities that will influence the province's future growth.

At a time when Saskatchewan is poised to seize global opportunities—ranging from food security to energy transition—the platform emphasizes the need for a competitive business environment that attracts investment and drives innovation. Its five strategic pillars, including tax competitiveness and energy transformation, are designed to ensure Saskatchewan's leadership on the global stage.

“Fueling Momentum 2024” is positioned as a vital tool in advocating for policies that will sustain and enhance Saskatchewan’s growth and prosperity.

Read the full report here.

Gordon Wyant lays out Affordability and Investment Plan in Saskatoon

Saskatoon Mayoral candidate Gordon Wyant unveiled his Affordability and Investment Plan in a campaign email on Tuesday evening.

Wyant said, “With Saskatoon’s median age now 35, the city is home to one of the youngest populations in Canada—young families, professionals, and entrepreneurs are building their lives here. These are the people buying homes, starting families and building careers. We need to ensure Saskatoon is the city of their present and future. My plan delivers a clear path to transform Saskatoon into an economic leader and ensure the city is affordable, dynamic, and a beacon of opportunity for the young and growing population.”

Wyant’s plan has five major points; Fast-tracking housing approvals, revitalizing downtown, supporting local businesses, signing The Chamber YXE Pledge, and smart budgeting for a smart future.

With fiscal responsibility as a major campaign promise, Wyant released an 8-Point Budget Renewal Plan that would cap departmental budget increases, see an efficiency review, and publish quarterly updates among other plans.

Municipal elections are happening on November 13.

Sponsored by CNIB

Regina Mayor’s race comes into play during penultimate council meeting

The elected officials vying for the Mayor’s chair this fall came to debate at city hall this week over the topic of funding for the city’s central library.

The three-and-a-half-hour debate featured infrastructure projects that are likely to be points of contention this fall, including the library and new aquatic centre.

CBC News is reporting that two Mayoral candidates found themselves on opposite sides of the issue. “On one side is incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters, who has advocated for a plan to address billions of dollars of infrastructure that needs to be repaired or replaced. She's supported a plan from the administration to finance at least part of those projects through debt. On the other side is Councillor Lori Bresciani, who for nearly four years has often found herself in line with the Masters. In recent months she has attempted to to establish herself as a fiscally responsible politician with different priorities than the incumbent mayor.”

At the meeting, Bresciani said, “This just isn't about a single project, it's about prioritizing our resources wisely. We must recognize that if we undertake multiple projects simultaneously, I think I'm going to tell you it's not feasible.”

Sponsored by Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan

Constituency Profile Series: Sponsored by Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA)

SUMA represents over 80% of Saskatchewan residents —cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities—that come together as one urban voice.

We’ve been here since 1905, advancing collective member interests with various government bodies, improving local governance, and fostering municipal growth. We are the urban hubs where you live, work, and play. We're where your children go to school, where you attend medical appointments at the clinic, and where you stop for coffee.

We are URBAN. To learn more visit www.suma.org.

Each week leading up to the 2024 election, The SKoop Political Briefing will highlight a constituency that has nominated a candidate from at least both major parties. Today, we look at Cut Knife Turtleford. This rural riding includes the areas around Lloydminster and Battleford.

The incumbent (party): James Thorsteinson is a third-generation rancher, Thorsteinson has spent most of his life working in the agriculture sector, as well as some contract work in the oilfield. Thorsteinson served as the Saskatchewan Party President from 2014-2023.

The challenger: Clayton Poole lives in Ruddell where he previously served on the village council. Clayton studied mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and works as a site lead in rail car repair at Procor. 

The takeaway: This is a safe Sask. Party seat. This riding has not elected a New Democrat in over thirty years. Incumbent MLA Ryan Domotor is not running again after being removed from caucus following his criminal charge of procuring sex.

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More news and info

• MPs to vote on Liberal changes to capital gains tax in confidence measure (Canadian Press)

• 🏠 7 in 10 Saskatchewan voters think housing should be a top priority for elected officials. That is why Saskatchewan’s Housing Leaders have launched Secure Homes, Strong Future­ – a housing policy blueprint for Saskatchewan ahead of the 2024 provincial election. Built on grassroots consultation and expert insight, this plan provides common sense ideas that will improve affordability, unlock development, lower construction costs and build more homes faster. Click here to learn more.*

• Most Canadians think flexible work arrangements are good both for productivity, and for employees (Spark Advocacy)

_{*Sponsored by Saskatchewan Housing Leaders (Saskatchewan REALTORs Association, Saskatchewan Landlord Association, Saskatoon and Region Home Builder’s Association, and Regina and Region Home Builder’s Association).}

2024 Election Candidate Tracker