Sask. Party budget fails workers during a crucial moment

Budget doesn’t address need for good jobs or provide relief for workers dealing with low wages and rising inflation says SFL President.

Today’s provincial budget released by the Sask. Party government gives little hope to workers who were looking for a serious plan focused on job creation and growing the economy. The budget also fails to address the reality that the province is still dealing with COVID-19 and the long-term effects the pandemic has had on the province, especially as healthcare, education and other public services continue to be overwhelmed and pushed to their breaking point.

“This budget was an opportunity to show working people a plan to create good jobs, as many workers have been struggling to find stable employment after losing their jobs due to the pandemic,” said SFL President Lori Johb. “A long term plan to create good jobs is desperately needed, but unfortunately this does not seem to be a priority for the government. Frontline workers were also looking for some relief, but sadly this budget offers little for healthcare, education and public service workers who have been working hard to continue to deliver vital services despite chronic short-staffing and insufficient funding.”

The budget also leaves behind working people who are dealing with low wages, rising inflation, and high fuel prices.

“Many workers, especially those who are making minimum wage- one of the lowest in Canada- are having trouble making ends meet as the cost of living continues to grow higher,” Johb said. “This budget offers nothing to the many workers who are struggling right now- in fact, they are actually adding PST to even more goods and services. A one time, $100 rebate on their car insurance doesn’t come close to what workers need right now.”

Other items missing from the provincial government that the SFL has long been calling for include:

• A plan to implement paid sick leave for all workers
• A plan to boost the economy by raising the minimum wage to at least $15 an hour
• A plan to fill the hundreds of job vacancies created by the Federal government’s record investment in childcare

• Investments to ensure safe staffing levels in healthcare, education and public services

“Saskatchewan is at a crucial moment as the pandemic hopefully finally comes to an end and we can look towards a recovery,” Johb said. “Now is the time to invest in workers, job creation and growing the economy. Unfortunately this budget misses the mark.”