October 2, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Moe starts campaign with tax cut promise

The Saskatchewan Party kicked off its re-election bid with leader Scott Moe promising what he called ‘the largest income tax cut since 2008.’

The party is pledging to raise the personal, spousal, and child exemption and the seniors supplement by $500 each year for the next four years. “That will save a family of four $2100 over four years,” Moe said.  “It will also save a senior couple $2100 over four years. When combined with our government’s indexation of personal tax rates, a family of four will save more than $3400 and a senior couple will save more than $3100 over the next four years.”

According to the announcement, when fully implemented, 54,000 people will no longer be paying any provincial income tax and Saskatchewan will have the highest level of tax-free income in Canada for seniors and for families with dependent children. The Saskatchewan Party is also promising to increase the Low Income Tax Credit by 20% over the next four years.

Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe said, “Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable places in Canada to live, still, Saskatchewan people are facing cost of living pressures just like everyone else in Canada. A Saskatchewan Party government will make life more affordable by reducing your income tax and making sure you keep more of the money you work hard to earn.”

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NDP launch campaign at Tommy Douglas House

NDP leader Carla Beck was flanked by local Regina candidates and supporters at Tommy Douglas House in Regina to kick off her campaign on Tuesday.

The campaign started with Beck asking the question, “This election comes down to one question. Are you better off under Scott Moe? Across the board, the answer is no.” She continued, “Our healthcare system is in crisis, our kids’ classrooms are underfunded, and families that used to be able to afford that yearly vacation are now struggling just to make ends meet. In this election, we can vote for a better future. It’s time to get Saskatchewan out of last place in healthcare and education. It’s time for change.”

At the event, Beck reiterated her proposals announced over the last number of weeks. The NDP have pledged $2 billion for education, and $1.1 billion for healthcare, and has promised to pause the gas tax and remove PST on children’s clothes and certain foods. Beck has also promised startup loans for entrepreneurs, a Hire Saskatchewan Plan, pledged to scrap the Marshal Service and renovate vacant provincial housing units.

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.

Contested Mayoral race in North Battleford

Saskatchewan’s eighth-largest municipality will have a contested race for Mayor. Two candidates are looking to become Mayor of North Battleford.

Incumbent Mayor David Gillan announced he would not be seeking another term back in April. At the time, councillor Kelli Hawtin planned on running. Weeks ago she suspended her campaign citing balancing work and life. Hawtin re-announced her Mayoral bid last week.

The councillor of ten years said, “Having served this community for so long, I understand the importance of effective municipal governance. My family, as a team, is ready to take on this responsibility, and I am looking forward to using my experience to address the issues we face, ensuring that our city continues to be a place where families, businesses, and individuals can thrive."

One other candidate has made their intentions clear. Wayne Semaganis is the former Little Pine Chief. In a statement to BattlefordsNow, he said, “I believe it is time, because of where we are in all of Canada, that there be a real voice given to bring First Nations and the rest of Canada together in the best way. I have been in this business community for at least 20 years, and there are many economic ventures that we have initiated through the Battleford Tribal Council.”

Municipal elections will take place November 13.

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Regina down one Mayoral candidate as a new name joins the race

The race to be the next Mayor of Regina is down one candidate today (and up another) as Brandon Abtosway removes his name from consideration.

Abtosway said in a social media post, “In the past couple months, I have quickly learned the time requirement, the money needed and the team effort that I believe is truly necessary to win an election and at this time I cannot continue on this campaign.”

He declined to endorse a candidate at this time, but told his supporters to pay attention to the candidates, ‘who is donating to their campaigns’, and make sure to vote. He adds he hopes to make a return to politics in the future.

Nathaniel Hewton has announced that he intends to be on the mayoral ballot this fall. Newton is best known for organizing ‘Soup After Dark’, a warm meal program serving the vulnerable since 2022.

Newton joins Kevin Kardash, Shawn Sparvier, Chad Bachynski, Bill Pratt, councillor Lori Bresciani and incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters.

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Bloc Quebecois to pressure Liberals with opposition day motion

The Bloc Quebecois will begin ramping up pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government.

Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet will put forward an Opposition Day Motion on Wednesday calling for a debate in the House of Commons about increasing old age pension payments.

The plan would cost $16 billion over five years and would see an increase in OAS for those between the ages of 65 and 74. Because the bill involves public funds, a minister must provide what is called a ‘Royal Recommendation’ before it can be read for a third time and passed, if not the Speaker will rule the bill out of order and it will die.

Blanchet says the government has until October 29 to pass the bill, or it will pull support and vote non-confidence. The Trudeau Liberals still have room to negotiate with the NDP as it will take the votes of the Conservatives, Bloc, and the NDP to force an election.

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More news and info

• Conservatives 42, NDP 22, Liberals 22 > NDP tied with Liberals for first time since 2015. (Nanos)

• Which Trust Attributes Most Drive the Reputations of Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre? (Abacus)

• Iran fires ballistic missiles at Israel in revenge for killings of Hamas, Hezbollah leaders (The Globe and Mail)

2024 Election Candidate Tracker