Cam Broten, speaking to the media and public from the NDP campaign headquarters in Regina this week, said Brad Wall’s refusal to release budget information indicates the Sask. Party governing body “doesn’t want people to know, before they vote, how deep his cuts will be and what he’ll privatize next — a frustration repeatedly raised during the town hall-type meeting.
“If the Sask. Party’s budget was good news for middle-class families, Mr. Wall would have released it with cake and confetti,” said Broten. “He’s hiding it for a reason. If Mr. Wall refuses to trust voters with his budget, how on Earth can he expect them to trust the Sask. Party with their vote?”
The Sask. Party’s Global Transportation Hub (GTH) land scandal was also raised at the event, with Broten saying a judicial inquiry is needed, because Wall’s answers about the deal he personally signed have only increased the level of concern and frustration throughout the province.
“With each detail that leaks out, this deal stinks more and more,” said Broten. “The people of Saskatchewan deserve better than the secrecy and non-answers being given by Bill Boyd and Mr. Wall. We need to know why they paid people with alleged Sask. Party connections millions of taxpayer dollars for land that’s worth just a fraction of that.”
Broten also highlighted details of the NDP platform, including his plan to cut $178 million of the current government’s waste and entitlements in the first year. He cited waste was seen in the Lean management models, government gravy planes and private consultants who advise the Sask. Party. Broten said he would use a portion of those savings to reduce the deficit and reallocate $122 million to families’ priorities, including hiring hundreds of nurses, care aides, teachers and educational assistants.
“We need to build a stronger province for middle-class families. A fairer province for people working hard to get ahead. A kinder province for children just starting out, and for grandparents needing care,” said Broten.
