May 31, 2024 | Advertise with us

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The Fight over Equalization Returns to the Spotlight

The issue of equalization is a debate that never ends in Canada, and now it looks like Saskatchewan will join Newfoundland and Labrador in a constitutional challenge.

Premier Scott Moe has asked Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre to reach out to her counterpart in Newfoundland to discuss the province’s legal action.

Equalization is a federal program that provides cash to recipient provinces and allows a fair or ‘equalized’ level of services across the country.

Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey’s Liberal government is launching the court action and says the current formula is not fair. “While the Maritime provinces have received $45 billion in equalization payments in the last 10 years, N.L. has received $0.” The province wants the fiscal capability cap to be removed. Furey is also the sole Liberal premier of a province and has been vocal in opposition to the carbon tax.

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck quickly agreed that she and her party support the court challenge to ‘fight for a better deal on equalization,’ while saying Moe’s Saskatchewan Party has “zero credibility on equalization.”

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Saskatchewan teachers narrowly vote to reject tentative deal

Teachers across Saskatchewan have voted on the tentative deal agreed to and endorsed by both the government and the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation.

According to results released last night by the STF, 55% of STF members opposed the offer, with 45% voting in favour of the new deal. 88% of the STF’s total members voted.

STF president Samantha Becotte said in a statement last night: “We take our direction from the membership, and members have spoken. The result of this vote is a message to government and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association that teachers need to see real changes to classroom complexity and compensation. In feedback from members, we heard clearly that their priorities haven’t been adequately addressed.”

Education minister Jeremy Cockrill also released a statement, saying: “I am disappointed by the result of the vote that will reject not only a fair agreement negotiated between government, school divisions and the STF, but one that was endorsed and recommended by the STF executive senior leadership. We will have more to say about next steps very soon.”

As first reported by The SKoop Daily Briefing on May 21, the proposed deal included an 8% salary increase over three years, a one-time 1% market adjustment to the grid, an additional $18 million in classroom support, a Ministry Task Force on Complexity co-chaired by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, and a letter of understanding for violence-free classrooms.

We will be covering whatever happens next on this issue.

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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 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 two constituencies that have nominated a candidate from at least both major parties. Today, we look at The Battlefords. This riding will have a slightly less rural population following the provincial boundary commission and includes Battleford and North Battleford.

The incumbent party: Jeremy Cockrill. The education minister was first elected in 2020. He previously served as the Minister of Highways. Prior to his election he worked for his family business and volunteered as a coach.

The challenger: Tom Kroczynski. Kroczynski was acclaimed as the NDP’s candidate. He has been a teacher for the past twenty years and volunteers in the community.

The takeaway: This seat is likely for the Sask. Party to hold. Name recognition is an important factor during elections, and Minister Cockrill has been at the forefront of one of the biggest issues in the province for the past year. The Sask. Party has held this riding since 2011, however, the NDP used to have a hold on the area, winning every election from 1953 to 2011 with only one exception.

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 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.

More news and info

• Only a third of Canadians think they are better off now than in their childhood (Abacus Data)

• David Froh, Regina Food Bank Vice-President looking to succeed Andrew Stevens in Ward 3 on Regina City Council

• Emmigration from Canada to the United States hits a ten-year high as thousands head south (CBC News)

• 🥚🍳 More eggs in more baskets. Saskatchewan’s egg farmers are investing in value-added innovation, growing our exports and adding new egg farms. That means stronger rural communities and a stronger economy. saskegg.ca/more*

• NDP wants Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs (CTV News)

• Hromek, Sask. United, Taxpayers Federation call to scrap provincial gas tax (Twitter)

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