Weighing in against Liberals in the ongoing federal election
Both said they saw “complacency” in the Sask. Party ranks.
But multiple Sask. Party sources said Moe earned an endorsement in the “extremely high 90s” during a leadership vote. An electoral presentation closed to media reportedly suggested that urban seats are in play.
That conflicts with speculation over the last year that the Sask. Party was in real danger of losing most its recent gains in Saskatoon and Regina to the NDP. Sources say the party’s internal polling suggests the Opposition continues to struggle to gain traction with voters.
“Our polling shows that we’re in very similar positions as we were leading up to the last two campaigns with the potential to win the same number of seats or more,” said Sask. Party executive director Patrick Bundrock.
In a preview of what is expected to be a common refrain over the coming months, Moe repeatedly lashed out at the NDP during his speech, saying a change of government would put an end to growth in Saskatchewan.
“I will take the challenge of growth over the NDP any day of the week,” said Moe. “Under the NDP we saw nothing but stagnation and decline.”
Moe touted the government’s upcoming growth plan, which he said is now being developed and will serve as an “economic roadmap” for the next 30 years.
He said it will focus on competitive taxes, innovation, international engagement and fiscal responsibility.
But the premier spent far more time weighing into the ongoing federal election campaign than he did outlining a platform or attacking his provincial rivals. He followed a script that nearly matched a fiery September address to the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, where he essentially endorsed Conservative policies without explicitly backing the party.
Moe said the federal Liberal government has erected “harmful barriers” to Saskatchewan growth that “represent a direct attack on crucial industries in this province.” He mentioned the carbon tax and bills C-69 and C-48.
He also backed a national energy corridor, a proposal that is part of the Conservative platform but that the premier has also mentioned in the past.
He said the existing federal government “takes orders” from some provinces and not other. In Moe’s view, Ottawa ignores Saskatchewan until it’s “time to present the bill.”
“This must change, ladies and gentlemen, this must change,” he said.