Don’t fall for budget rhetoric
Dear Editor
Okay, folks, let's get real here. I'm sick and tired of blind Brad Wall supporters buying his schtick and repeating it as if it were gospel. Let's clear up the air here when it comes to the true government debt as it stood at March 31, 2016 compared to when they came into power in 2007. Remember, the picture is bound to be even worse for the year ending March 31, 2017, with the anticipated deficit in the $1-2 billion range.
At March 31, 2008: total debt of $16.9B (gross debt $11.8b plus pension liabilities $5.1B), and a Rainy Day Fund of $1.5B handed over to the Saskatchewan Party after their election win.
At March 31, 2016: total debt of $27.5B (gross debt $15.1b plus pension liabilities $7.9b plus p3 debt $4.5b), and a Rainy Day Fund of $0.00. Note this is before any additional debt that will inevitably be required to make up for the projected $1.5B deficit.
In online discussion, it seems that Saskatchewan Party diehards are inexplicably trying to cherry pick a two-year snapshot from 2007-2009, when Brad Wall magically paid down our debt by draining our Rainy Day Fund and forcing Crowns into record debt, instead of retaining their profits. Why they are doing this is quite obvious, to take the attention away from the reality as I've illustrated above.
Please, do not fall for the rhetoric. If you are going to judge any government or political party, make sure you are doing it with facts.
Chad A. Novak
Saskatchewan Taxpayers Advocacy Group
Regina
