The annual spring banquet of the Weyburn-Big Muddy New Democrats was held on Thursday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Weyburn.
The annual spring banquet of the Weyburn-Big Muddy New Democrats was held on Thursday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Weyburn.
A financial appeal raised $5,680, and the guest speaker was official opposition leader and MLA for Saskatoon Massey Place, Cam Broten.
Broten's speech focused on areas he thinks are strong Saskatchewan values and on what he thinks the provincial government could improve to better the lives of everybody living in Saskatchewan.
"Saskatchewan families deserve better. They deserve a plan that's based on smart growth, a plan that is thinking long-term, and a plan that has the best interests of Saskatchewan people at heart," said Broten.
He highlighted K-12 education, health care, especially care for seniors, and poor management of the budget and economy as problems that need to be given priority.
"They're not doing enough to ensure our kids have the best possible future," said Broten of the current education system.
He said in schools across the province there are sometimes as many as 30 children in one classroom and sometimes those "classrooms" were never intended to be used as such. He said some students are learning on school stages or in staff rooms or supply closets because of overcrowding.
He also highlighted the 350 educational assistant's jobs that were cut across the province.
He described it all as "not an ideal learning environment" and continued to critique the Sask Party's budget allotting $6 million to a computer program designed to improve standardized testing.
Broten said testing is important but the province's educators already know how to teach their students and test them.
Broten said the $6 million could have been better spent in the classrooms, on educational assistants, facilities, or better supplies for teachers.
He also proposed a cap on the number of students per classroom.
Broten then spoke on the topic of health care issues, especially with regards to care for seniors.
"This might be something that hits close to home for many of you."
He shared the story of a woman from Regina who has stepped away from work to help care for her elderly mother who is in a care home. The women told Broten when she visits her mother, it is clear that the seniors are not being cared for as well as they should, but that it is not the fault of the health care workers. She said she often tries to help pick up the slack.
"The situation is in no way the fault of the health care workers; they are being run off their feet," said Broten, who advocated more health care workers in homes and more in-home care options for seniors who wish it.
Broten said Health Minister, Duster Duncan's, solution was to increase CEO visits within the health regions.
"CEOs won't make a difference," said Broten pointing out that they aren't likely to physically do the work of caring for residents.
Broten added that he didn't sense enough urgency from MLA Duncan on the issue.
In general, Broten said our seniors deserved more dignity with their care options, be it in their home, which he contended would also be cheaper, or at a care facility.
Finally, Broten critiqued the Sask Party on their poor budgeting and lack of accountability.
"I think the kind of economy we need is a strong, vibrant private sector and we also need strong crown corporations. It's about striking that balance," said Broten.
"We don't have to accept boom and bust as a way of life," he added and said we should be using the province's current wealth to make long-term plans and to make sure everybody has a chance to reach their full potential.
"Nobody should have to choose between food or rent."
Broten specifically advocated improving infrastructure, like roads and public buildings, and again referenced health care and education. He especially said there is no reason not to be improving roads when we have the money and that it will improve safety for people in the province and be better for businesses who rely on them.
"Saskatchewan's best economy is one that doesn't leave anybody behind."
Broten also pointed out issues he felt the Sask Party took the wrong stance on and is failing to acknowledge and amend. Specifically he mentioned the film tax credit, which he said brought not only money and jobs, but also a cultural wealth to the province, that the Sask Party eliminated and did not reinstate with the most recent budget.
He also pointed to the controversial funding allocations with the IPAC affair at the University of Regina which the Sask Party, according to Broten, is failing to even acknowledge as something that deserves to be investigated.
In questioning after his speech, Broten said the property assessments and the higher tax bills people in areas like Weyburn are going to experience is a "big concern, especially for those that have been living in the community for years" and are not personally experiencing any of the financial benefits of the current economy.
"We need to keep them in mind," he said.
The Weyburn-Big Muddy NDP constituency also held their annual general meeting immediately following the spring banquet.
Mark Jeworski was elected as president. Wanda Bartlett was elected vice-president, and Walter Paxman was appointed secretary. Jeff Sterling was elected as treasurer and Morris Johnson will serve as Male Counselor.
Ken Kessler was elected as alternate counselor.
Executive at large members who were appointed were Vera Hubick, Jeff Sample, Roland Olson, Ron Wormsbecker, Norma Buydens and Gene Kessler.
The constituency will be hosting a barbecue and discussing issues on Sunday, July 7 in Khedive from 2 to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults. Children are $5, except children under six, who can attend for free.
