By Sabrina Kraft
The focus of New Democrat Party members of Parliament are addressing the needs and desires of the working people, according to Erin Weir, MP for Regina-Lewvan.
Erin Weir was the keynote speaker during the fundraising banquet for the Weyburn-Big Muddy NDP constituency, held at the Legion on Thursday night.
During the evening, Weir had addressed some of the recent changes made at the parliamentary level, after the 2015 election.
Weir said that one of the biggest successes was repealing Bill C-4, which “was the worse of the Harper Conservatives’ anti-worker legislation.”
“Specifically, we removed Bill 377, which was designed to impose very erroneous administrative requirements on trade unions and made it difficult for them to function.”
“It also removed Bill C-527, which had changed the Canadian Labour Code to certify unions and easier to decertify unions.”
Weir said that removing those bills off the books was because of a push by the Liberal majority government.
“Having said that, the Liberals have been a little bit vague in some labour issues. In the last parliament they voted for reinstating the federal minimal wage.”
“Another area that is very important to working people is anti-scab legislation, which the Liberals have been on both sides of the fence about.”
“Beyond legislation, I think there are other federal programs that really matter to working people,” said Weir. “One thing that the NDP has been pushing for is an improvement to the Canada Pension Plan.”
“Another program that is very important is employment insurance, and making sure that there are adequate benefits available for those who get laid off from their jobs.”
Also speaking to supporters at the fundraising banquet was Karen Wormsbecker, the NDP candidate for the Weyburn-Big Muddy constituency.
Born and raised in Weyburn, Wormsbecker said “the value of the NDP was instilled in me at a very young age. My parents Ron and Joanne have been active members of the NDP since I can remember.”
“Politics was discussed at our dinner table nearly every night,” said Wormsbecker. “The thing that stands out the most in my mind about that time of my life is the passion of the members, volunteers and supporters of the NDP.”
“They came together to fight for the Saskatchewan people. Cam Broten and the NDP’s message has not changed — this election is about your priorities and your families.”
“Brad Wall and the Sask. Party have let us down during the good times, and we can’t afford them in government during the tough times,” said Wormsbecker. “Cam Broten and the NDP are focused on what matters most for the residents of this province.”
“The NDP will cut back on Sask. Party waste and get the books back on track. They will put money back in the pockets of residents and build a stable economy for the province.”
The provincial election will be held on Monday, April 4.
