The provincial NDP responded critically to the tabling of the 2022-2023 provincial budget on Wednesday afternoon.

In a release, the NDP said the budget "deepens the affordability crisis and has lost touch with the needs of Saskatchewan families."

The NDP summarized why they believe the Sask. Party's budget does not do enough to support families, saying that:

  • It offers no economic relief to families struggling to make ends meet
  • It fails to invest in education following three disruptive school years due to the pandemic
  • The PST has been hiked on items such as Riders games, movie theatres, and gym memberships
  • Property taxes have been increased
  • It leaves Saskatchewan with the lowest minimum wage in Canada
  • It fails to prepare the province for a changing labour force
  • It fails to diversify the economy
  • It slashes workplace development by 41%

The release also pointed to seniors not getting the support they need.

"The last two years have been devastating for seniors in long-term care, but we see little to no support for seniors struggling on fixed incomes," it said.

Outgoing NDP leader Ryan Meili also offered his take in response to the budget.

"These are very serious times, with increased uncertainty caused by world events. Saskatchewan people deserve solutions to serious problems. Budget 2022 fails to offer any vision to grow our province," Meili said.