Heated protest greets Wall backers
100 people show outrage over cuts outside Sask. Party fundraiser
Protesters eager to express their outrage over provincial budget cuts got up close and personal with ticket holders arriving at a fundraising dinner for the Saskatchewan Party in Saskatoon on Thursday night.
More than 100 people covered all gates into Prairieland Park, holding placards and chanting slogans such as “Break the Wall.” Early evening traffic along Ruth Street slowed to a virtual crawl before police officers arrived.
Premier Brad Wall was scheduled to give the keynote speech around 7 p.m., about two hours after the protesters started to gather.
In one incident, a man who identified himself as Roland Post was punched in the face by the driver of a truck on its way to the venue. Post said he was interested in the protest and was not affiliated with any group organizing it.
Robert Doucette, president of the Metis Nation—Saskatchewan, was standing in one of the entryways to the parking lot when a lightcoloured vehicle brushed past, narrowly avoiding hitting him.
Inside, more than 1,000 guests attended the dinner. Executive council spokeswoman Kathy Young issued a brief statement about the event and the protest on Thursday afternoon.
“There will be about 1,000 engaged and enthusiastic individuals inside the building enjoying the event,” she predicted. “Anyone has a democratic right to express their opinions by demonstrating outside the building.”
The protest, organized by Stop the Cuts and various other groups, including unions, drew people affected by the cuts, such as Jayne and Peter Morris and their 13-year-old daughter, who is hearing impaired.
The end of the provincial hearing aid plan could double the cost of the devices she needs by forcing them to buy from a private seller.
Jayne Morris said they’ll also face longer waiting times.
“Hearing is a core health issue,” she said. “So, to cut that is just ludicrous.”
Peter Morris said he was part of a group of parents who went to Regina to speak with Health Minister Jim Reiter. He said the group had its second meeting with health ministry officials on Monday.
Cindy Hanson, one of the event organizers, said marginalized people feel “attacked” by cuts that are unnecessary.
“The more people we can get mobilized to actually fight austerity, the better,” she said.
Tammy Robinson, co-ordinator of student services at the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP/NORPAC), stood outside the park’s gates with April Chiefcalf, a faculty member. All workers in the program will lose their jobs as of June 30, but her last day is June 6, she said.
Robinson, who has worked at NORTEP for 18 years, said she was raised by a single mother and credits the program with helping her get a university education. NORTEP’s final fourth-year students graduate this weekend.
“Knowing that this is going to be the last year, it’s definitely going to be a sad ending to a great era of Northern university programming in the North,” she said.