Sask. budget debated in legislature, NDP continues on the attack

REGINA The Saskatchewan NDP is continuing the attack on the Saskatchewan Party’s provincial budget released last week.

In the legislature Monday, NDP Leader Trent Wotherspoon raised concerns about the shut-down of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company bus service and the impact on residents needing medical treatment and parcels.

Premier Brad Wall says the subsidy was reaching over 90 dollars per passenger and alternate services will be found.

He says a tough decision had to be made to balance the budget, and the province was looking at an investment of up to $100 million over five years to maintain the STC service.

He says the province has to focus on core activities like health care, education, social services and infrastructure.

The NDP also criticized the expanded PST on children’s clothing and restaurant meals as well as cuts to library services.

The NDP was also on the attack in the legislature over cuts to municipalities of grants in lieu of taxes at SaskPower and SaskEnergy.

Opposition critic Nicole Rancourt says the SaskParty government is transferring a $36 million tax burden to communities.

But Wall says Saskatchewan is the only province to outline a plan to reach a balanced budget in three years.