Just in case any of you missed this depressing analysis - NYC
Read report HERE
.
Showing posts with label Sask Election 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sask Election 2011. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Profile of party supporters in the 2011 Saskatchewan provincial election
A research brief, December 2011
Just in case any of you missed this depressing analysis - NYC
Read report HERE
.
Just in case any of you missed this depressing analysis - NYC
Read report HERE
.
Monday, January 16, 2012
New book critiques Wall policies
By David Hutton
The Star Phoenix
January 13, 2012
Saskatchewan’s economic momentum will dissipate if the provincial government doesn’t install stronger public policies geared toward social problems, a number of University of Saskatchewan professors argue in a new book.
The book — New Directions in Saskatchewan Public Policy — is the first academic critique of Brad Wall’s Saskatchewan Party government, analyzing and suggesting solutions in areas of immigration, taxation, climate change, urban affairs, poverty reduction, labour, aboriginal affairs, and health.
“The government is riding the economic boom and not making social investments,” said University of Saskatchewan political studies professor David McGrane, the book’s editor, at a campus press conference Friday.
“The government needs to invest in social infrastructure to create long-term benefits. Good public policy is needed to ensure our economic prosperity continues beyond what may be a short-term economic boom.”
In his chapter, McGrane argues the Saskatchewan Party government should hold the line on taxes and install a carbon tax and a harmonization of the federal and provincial sales tax that provides rebates.
Thus far, the Wall government has rejected the idea of installing a harmonized sales tax, which has caused political turmoil in British Columbia, where it was voted down in a referendum last summer. The tax shifts a portion of the burden from businesses to consumers and imposes a tax on many items that weren’t previously subject to PST.
McGrane said it could be installed alongside rebates for low-income people.
“If you’re going to do it in Saskatchewan, do it now and you’ll have four years to sell it to people,” he said.
Ryan Walker, a professor of urban planning, focused his critique on urban growth and the province’s sprawling cities. Walker said the provincial government could play a lead role in how the province’s big cities, Saskatoon and Regina, develop through a provincial growth management strategy. The time is now, during a period of fast growth, to tackle the issue, Walker said.
The major cities are currently sprawling at an unsustainable pace, he said.
“One of the problems is if we don’t focus on how we’re growing we could end up with an enormous tax bill,” Walker said.
The Star Phoenix
January 13, 2012
The book — New Directions in Saskatchewan Public Policy — is the first academic critique of Brad Wall’s Saskatchewan Party government, analyzing and suggesting solutions in areas of immigration, taxation, climate change, urban affairs, poverty reduction, labour, aboriginal affairs, and health.
“The government is riding the economic boom and not making social investments,” said University of Saskatchewan political studies professor David McGrane, the book’s editor, at a campus press conference Friday.
“The government needs to invest in social infrastructure to create long-term benefits. Good public policy is needed to ensure our economic prosperity continues beyond what may be a short-term economic boom.”
In his chapter, McGrane argues the Saskatchewan Party government should hold the line on taxes and install a carbon tax and a harmonization of the federal and provincial sales tax that provides rebates.
Thus far, the Wall government has rejected the idea of installing a harmonized sales tax, which has caused political turmoil in British Columbia, where it was voted down in a referendum last summer. The tax shifts a portion of the burden from businesses to consumers and imposes a tax on many items that weren’t previously subject to PST.
McGrane said it could be installed alongside rebates for low-income people.
“If you’re going to do it in Saskatchewan, do it now and you’ll have four years to sell it to people,” he said.
Ryan Walker, a professor of urban planning, focused his critique on urban growth and the province’s sprawling cities. Walker said the provincial government could play a lead role in how the province’s big cities, Saskatoon and Regina, develop through a provincial growth management strategy. The time is now, during a period of fast growth, to tackle the issue, Walker said.
The major cities are currently sprawling at an unsustainable pace, he said.
“One of the problems is if we don’t focus on how we’re growing we could end up with an enormous tax bill,” Walker said.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saskatchewan Election Votes Distorted
By Don Mitchell
CCPA
Saskatchewan Notes
December 2011
With 64% of the popular vote, the Saskatchewan Party gained 84.5% of the seats in the November 7th provincial election. They might easily have swept every seat in the province, as occurred with the McKenna Liberals with 60% of the popular vote in New Brunswick in 1987.
Under our failed electoral system anytime a party has 50% or more of the popular vote, they gain at the very least 65% of the seats. So the election result in Saskatchewan, though skewed, was actually more balanced than might have been expected.
Read more HERE.
CCPA
Saskatchewan Notes
December 2011
Under our failed electoral system anytime a party has 50% or more of the popular vote, they gain at the very least 65% of the seats. So the election result in Saskatchewan, though skewed, was actually more balanced than might have been expected.
Read more HERE.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Wall brings 'Harpertism' to the provinces
By Michael Taube
Postmedia News
November 26, 2011
Is Saskatchewan the new Alberta Premier Brad Wall's massive recent re-election victory seems to indicate that conservatism - in particular, populist conservatism - has found a new home in what used to be left-leaning Tommy Douglas country.
On Nov. 7, Wall's Saskatchewan Party won 49 of 58 seats in the provincial legislature. They earned an astonishing 64 per cent of the popular vote (no Saskatchewan-based party has ever earned a higher percentage), made significant inroads in Regina and Saskatoon (traditional NDP strongholds), and unseated NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter, who then resigned. That's a rather remarkable achievement, considering Saskatchewan's long infatuation with socialism, co-operative programs and universal health care.
How could Wall have achieved so much success in a province that has only had two other right-leaning premiers (James T.M. Anderson and Grant Devine) since 1905? Here's the answer: he's more of a populist conservative than a fiscal conservative.
Postmedia News
November 26, 2011
On Nov. 7, Wall's Saskatchewan Party won 49 of 58 seats in the provincial legislature. They earned an astonishing 64 per cent of the popular vote (no Saskatchewan-based party has ever earned a higher percentage), made significant inroads in Regina and Saskatoon (traditional NDP strongholds), and unseated NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter, who then resigned. That's a rather remarkable achievement, considering Saskatchewan's long infatuation with socialism, co-operative programs and universal health care.
How could Wall have achieved so much success in a province that has only had two other right-leaning premiers (James T.M. Anderson and Grant Devine) since 1905? Here's the answer: he's more of a populist conservative than a fiscal conservative.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Are we really living in a "New Saskatchewan"?
By Jim Harding
No Nukes
November 22, 2011
I had a pre-arranged trip out of province just two days after the Sask Party’s pummeling of the NDP. I didn’t take the trip to escape the one-party bubble that seems to be forming here. I went to speak at a Trans-Atlantic Forum on Nuclear Energy and then took side trips to visit family.
But the diversity of views in Ontario and Quebec did rekindle a deeper perspective that was wearing thin as I watched the Sask Party juggernaut win 49 of 58 seats. The overwhelming electoral victory makes perfect sense only in the short term; it presents no long-term viable vision of sustainability. The election reminds me of the car oil filter ad “you can pay me now or pay me later”.
No Nukes
November 22, 2011
But the diversity of views in Ontario and Quebec did rekindle a deeper perspective that was wearing thin as I watched the Sask Party juggernaut win 49 of 58 seats. The overwhelming electoral victory makes perfect sense only in the short term; it presents no long-term viable vision of sustainability. The election reminds me of the car oil filter ad “you can pay me now or pay me later”.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Silver Linings: After Link, the NDP can rebuild
By John F. Conway
Planet S
November 17, 2011
The Nov. 7 election results are about what was expected since that suicidal day the NDP selected Dwain Lingenfelter as leader: a smashing victory for Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party (49 of 58 seats and 64 per cent) and a crushing defeat for Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP (nine seats and 32 per cent).
No, that’s not quite true. Certainly, it was a crushing defeat for Lingenfelter, who lost his seat in traditional NDP territory, and many of his key caucus supporters went down with him — but the core of the party held firm, and the elected MLAs include some who represent the best traditions of the NDP. If the NDP had slipped below 30 per cent, the defeat would have been catastrophic. Now, the NDP can begin the serious rebuilding process that was postponed by the trip back to the Romanow/Lingenfelter past.
Planet S
November 17, 2011
No, that’s not quite true. Certainly, it was a crushing defeat for Lingenfelter, who lost his seat in traditional NDP territory, and many of his key caucus supporters went down with him — but the core of the party held firm, and the elected MLAs include some who represent the best traditions of the NDP. If the NDP had slipped below 30 per cent, the defeat would have been catastrophic. Now, the NDP can begin the serious rebuilding process that was postponed by the trip back to the Romanow/Lingenfelter past.
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Politics of Potash
By Erin Weir
Progressive Economics Forum
Advocates of low potash royalties are claiming that New Democrats fared poorly in Saskatchewan’s recent election because they proposed higher potash royalties. Of course, potash companies and their boosters would like the NDP to give up this cause. Doing so would be a political mistake for the party and a disservice to the people of Saskatchewan.
Most polling indicates that most Saskatchewan residents support collecting more from potash companies. So, why didn’t the NDP get more traction on the issue? In politics, timing can be everything.
Progressive Economics Forum
November 14th, 2011
Most polling indicates that most Saskatchewan residents support collecting more from potash companies. So, why didn’t the NDP get more traction on the issue? In politics, timing can be everything.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
2013: The Sask NDP’s Lucky Number?
By Erin Weir
Progressive Economics Forum
November 10th, 2011
To state the obvious, Saskatchewan’s provincial election result was not good for progressives. I was especially surprised by the NDP’s loss of constituencies like Regina Douglas Park (where I grew up), Moose Jaw Wakamow and Prince Albert Northcote.
It could have been worse. Political commentators were musing about the NDP falling below 30% of the popular vote and to fewer than half a dozen MLAs. In fact, it garnered 32% and elected nine.
Progressive Economics Forum
November 10th, 2011
It could have been worse. Political commentators were musing about the NDP falling below 30% of the popular vote and to fewer than half a dozen MLAs. In fact, it garnered 32% and elected nine.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Armed with knowledge: Saskatchewan’s Labour Issues campaign takes aim
By Tracey Mitchell
Briarpatch magazine
Nov 1, 2011
The labour movement has been on the defensive across the country in recent months with a lockout and back-to-work legislation at Canada Post, a protracted dispute between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, and continued attacks on collective bargaining rights by the federal government. In Saskatchewan, legislation passed by the Wall government has limited workers’ rights to organize and form unions, to bargain collectively and to strike.
The position of labour has, in many respects, never been weaker. At a time of extreme political polarization in the country, particularly in Saskatchewan where a recent economic boom for some has left others homeless and otherwise struggling to make ends meet, right-wing governments and conservative media are succeeding in playing the average worker against the union worker, who is typically portrayed as cash grabbing and lazy. Increasingly, the public, including many low-income and middle-class people, is voting for parties that promise smaller government and tax savings, supposedly leaving more money in their pockets for the things they need most.
Briarpatch magazine
Nov 1, 2011
The position of labour has, in many respects, never been weaker. At a time of extreme political polarization in the country, particularly in Saskatchewan where a recent economic boom for some has left others homeless and otherwise struggling to make ends meet, right-wing governments and conservative media are succeeding in playing the average worker against the union worker, who is typically portrayed as cash grabbing and lazy. Increasingly, the public, including many low-income and middle-class people, is voting for parties that promise smaller government and tax savings, supposedly leaving more money in their pockets for the things they need most.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
After the Freeze: Restoring University Affordability in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Office
CCPA
November 3, 2011
The Saskatchewan Office is proud to announce the release of After the Freeze: Restoring University Affordability in Saskatchewan by professor Paul Gingrich. This report examines the impact of rising tuition and living costs on the affordability of a university education in Saskatchewan.
It concludes that university education in Saskatchewan became more affordable over the past six years as a direct result of the four-year tuition freeze and growing after-tax income. However, since the lifting of the tuition freeze in 2009, tuition has increased by 10.6 per cent, eroding the affordability of a university education for Saskatchewan students.
In order to effectively restore a measure of affordability to university education in our province, government should institute a program of managed tuition reductions, phasing these reductions in over the period of several years.
Read the report HERE (pdf).
CCPA
November 3, 2011
It concludes that university education in Saskatchewan became more affordable over the past six years as a direct result of the four-year tuition freeze and growing after-tax income. However, since the lifting of the tuition freeze in 2009, tuition has increased by 10.6 per cent, eroding the affordability of a university education for Saskatchewan students.
In order to effectively restore a measure of affordability to university education in our province, government should institute a program of managed tuition reductions, phasing these reductions in over the period of several years.
Read the report HERE (pdf).
Saskatchewan Greens: Defenders of Medicare
Green Party of Saskatchewan
November 3, 2011
Green Party of Saskatchewan Leader Victor Lau is spending today campaigning in his constituency of Regina Douglas Park. Over the course of the campaign, Lau discovered that the number one issue among voters in Regina Douglas Park is the future of Medicare, “Most of the voters I’ve spoken with are concerned about two-tier health care,” says Lau. “They want Medicare there when they need it, and they aren’t interested in experimenting with privatized medicine.”
To reassure the voters of Regina Douglas Park and the rest of the province about the Green Party’s stance on health issues, Lau stresses that the Greens are 100 percent pro-Medicare and pro-publicly funded and administered health care. “We will fight for as long and as hard as necessary to defend Medicare from privatization,” says Lau.
Key health care planks in the Green party’s election platform include:
November 3, 2011
To reassure the voters of Regina Douglas Park and the rest of the province about the Green Party’s stance on health issues, Lau stresses that the Greens are 100 percent pro-Medicare and pro-publicly funded and administered health care. “We will fight for as long and as hard as necessary to defend Medicare from privatization,” says Lau.
Key health care planks in the Green party’s election platform include:
- Placing all doctors on salary,
- The elimination of ambulance fees,
- More emphasis on preventative health care, and
- The adoption of a guaranteed annual income.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Principles of Voting
"I'd rather vote for something and not get it than vote for something I don't want, and get it."
-- Eugene V. Debs, Five-Time Socialist Candidate for President (1855-1926)
-- Eugene V. Debs, Five-Time Socialist Candidate for President (1855-1926)
Green Party Policy: Workers' Rights
Green Party of Saskatchewan
Worker's Rights Resolutions 1998-2007:
1998.5. Just transition policy
Be it resolved that the Green Party of Saskatchewan support the concept of just transition for all workers currently working in unsound industries and publicly discuss the concept of just transition as a way of taking workers into the new sustainable economy.
1998.6. Labour legislation
Be it resolved that the Green Party of Saskatchewan work with our labour allies to implement legislation pertaining to anti-scab provisions, pay equity and most available hours.
Worker's Rights Resolutions 1998-2007:
1998.5. Just transition policy
Be it resolved that the Green Party of Saskatchewan support the concept of just transition for all workers currently working in unsound industries and publicly discuss the concept of just transition as a way of taking workers into the new sustainable economy.1998.6. Labour legislation
Be it resolved that the Green Party of Saskatchewan work with our labour allies to implement legislation pertaining to anti-scab provisions, pay equity and most available hours.
Retirees, SGEU battle over pension
By Terrence Mceachern
Leader-Post
November 2, 2011
Photographs by: Bryan Schlosser
Betty Pickering said she was shocked on Friday when she found out her pension payments were going to be reduced by twice the amount that was originally agreed to by her former employer in February.
“The reduction we took was hard enough to swallow. And then to say you’re going to have to take a double reduction is absolutely impossible,” said Pickering, 63, who retired from the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) in 2004 after a 20-year career.
“We shouldn’t be asking people who live on a fixed income to do this. Everything else for our cost of living is increasing. Now we’re asked to take a reduction — that’s disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful,” she said.
After 40 former employees filed a class-action lawsuit against the union earlier this year, a deal was reached in mediation on Feb. 26, said Pickering. But after hearing the news of further pension reductions on Friday, Pickering and 20 supporters and former colleagues protested in front of SGEU’s Regina office Wednesday morning calling for new provincial legislation protecting pensions.
“Clearly SGEU needs to stick to the deal that was made. We will take the reduction we agreed to in mediation, not a penny more,” said Pickering.
She said she wasn’t able to divulge the amount SGEU was planning to reduce their pension because the matter was agreed to in mediation. She said during the group’s discussions with SGEU, the union blamed the market for the need to further reduce their pensions.
Bob Bymoen, president of SGEU, agreed the markets led to changes to the pension but denied SGEU reneged on the deal. Bymoen said the situation is unfortunate, but explained that disagreements between the former staff and SGEU over shared contributions led to the pension plan being “wound down.” The plan would be used to purchase annuities, or financial products that pay the individual a fixed amount of money over time. Even though the annuities are only scheduled to be purchased in the next couple of months, the value of the pension is forecasted to be lower because the market is declining, he said.
“That’s going to have a net result of a lower pension, it’s not that anybody’s waffling on an agreement, it’s just what is happening around us is putting stress on the plan,” said Bymoen. He estimated the pension plan’s value could be reduced as much as 15 per cent, based on current figures.
Later in the day, the protest moved to downtown Regina in front of Dave Wild’s office. Wild, the superintendent for pensions for the Government of Saskatchewan, said he has sympathy for the retirees, but that this is a matter between them and the SGEU.
“They were expecting to enjoy greater pensions than they are going to receive, but it is essentially a private contractual matter,” he said.
Pickering, who serves as president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Union Retirees, said the matter is being evaluated and that further legal action could follow, but she added that paying legal fees is a serious concern given that the retirees are on a fixed income.
Leader-Post
November 2, 2011
Photographs by: Bryan Schlosser
 |
| Betty Pickering, retired SGEU staff (right) |
“The reduction we took was hard enough to swallow. And then to say you’re going to have to take a double reduction is absolutely impossible,” said Pickering, 63, who retired from the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) in 2004 after a 20-year career.
“We shouldn’t be asking people who live on a fixed income to do this. Everything else for our cost of living is increasing. Now we’re asked to take a reduction — that’s disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful,” she said.
After 40 former employees filed a class-action lawsuit against the union earlier this year, a deal was reached in mediation on Feb. 26, said Pickering. But after hearing the news of further pension reductions on Friday, Pickering and 20 supporters and former colleagues protested in front of SGEU’s Regina office Wednesday morning calling for new provincial legislation protecting pensions.
“Clearly SGEU needs to stick to the deal that was made. We will take the reduction we agreed to in mediation, not a penny more,” said Pickering.
Bob Bymoen, president of SGEU, agreed the markets led to changes to the pension but denied SGEU reneged on the deal. Bymoen said the situation is unfortunate, but explained that disagreements between the former staff and SGEU over shared contributions led to the pension plan being “wound down.” The plan would be used to purchase annuities, or financial products that pay the individual a fixed amount of money over time. Even though the annuities are only scheduled to be purchased in the next couple of months, the value of the pension is forecasted to be lower because the market is declining, he said.
“That’s going to have a net result of a lower pension, it’s not that anybody’s waffling on an agreement, it’s just what is happening around us is putting stress on the plan,” said Bymoen. He estimated the pension plan’s value could be reduced as much as 15 per cent, based on current figures.
Later in the day, the protest moved to downtown Regina in front of Dave Wild’s office. Wild, the superintendent for pensions for the Government of Saskatchewan, said he has sympathy for the retirees, but that this is a matter between them and the SGEU.
“They were expecting to enjoy greater pensions than they are going to receive, but it is essentially a private contractual matter,” he said.
Pickering, who serves as president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Union Retirees, said the matter is being evaluated and that further legal action could follow, but she added that paying legal fees is a serious concern given that the retirees are on a fixed income.
Former SGEU employees protest pension cut
CTV News
November 2, 2011
Dozens of retired former employees of the SGEU held a protest in Regina on Wednesday after the union said they would have to take a big cut to their pensions.
The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union and former workers met with a mediator in February and had agreed to an initial pension decrease. But retirees now say they've been told that amount will be doubled.
The change in pension benefits is a big blow for former workers living on a fixed income. They say they're' considering further legal action, and calling for legislation that would see pensions protected in Saskatchewan.
The SGEU says lower annuity rates are to blame, and that the union has already subsidized the pension plan. However, premium rates are still much lower than it had anticipated.
November 2, 2011
 |
| Retired former employees of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union protest a pension cut in Regina on Wednesday. |
Dozens of retired former employees of the SGEU held a protest in Regina on Wednesday after the union said they would have to take a big cut to their pensions.
The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union and former workers met with a mediator in February and had agreed to an initial pension decrease. But retirees now say they've been told that amount will be doubled.
The change in pension benefits is a big blow for former workers living on a fixed income. They say they're' considering further legal action, and calling for legislation that would see pensions protected in Saskatchewan.
The SGEU says lower annuity rates are to blame, and that the union has already subsidized the pension plan. However, premium rates are still much lower than it had anticipated.
Saskatchewan Agriculture: Is it time to take a different approach?
Green Party of Saskatchewan
November 2, 2011
With farms getting bigger and bigger, taking more and more people out of the rural areas and into the cities, it is time to really do something to encourage people to remain or to return to the small towns and to the rural areas.
The industrial agriculture approach is killing the social fabric of Saskachewan. The major cities are growing at unprecedented rates but the small towns, not affected by oil or potash, are dying.
Industrial agriculture involves far too many toxic chemicals to the tune of over 100,000,000 litres every year in our province according to 2006 figures, Statistics Canada. Compound this with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fertilizers, these practices are contaminating the ground water, lakes, rivers and the air we breathe. Pesticide residues are found in our grains even to the scale of rejection of certain products by overseas customers. Chemicals and disease are killing too many beneficial insects, including bees, which could cost us billions of dollars in the next few years.
A Green Party government would:
The average Canadian farmer is 58 years old. Who will grow our food in the future? Hopefully our children will, not some corporate farm from another country
November 2, 2011
The industrial agriculture approach is killing the social fabric of Saskachewan. The major cities are growing at unprecedented rates but the small towns, not affected by oil or potash, are dying.
Industrial agriculture involves far too many toxic chemicals to the tune of over 100,000,000 litres every year in our province according to 2006 figures, Statistics Canada. Compound this with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fertilizers, these practices are contaminating the ground water, lakes, rivers and the air we breathe. Pesticide residues are found in our grains even to the scale of rejection of certain products by overseas customers. Chemicals and disease are killing too many beneficial insects, including bees, which could cost us billions of dollars in the next few years.
A Green Party government would:
- Assist farmers financially to move through the three-year transition period necessary to change from conventional to organic farming
- Set up a provincial system to help organize small producers to market their goods, also expandng the existing farmers markets. We will make sure the labeling of food includes the presence of GMO (genetically modified organisms) where applicable
- discourage large industrial agriculture, encourage small farms to be viable which would ensure that more money stays in the province and not to large corporate companies
- work with farmers/producers to grow and process more of our own fruit and vegetables like cabbage, root crops, apples, etc all proven to be possible in Saskatchewan
- A Green Party government would ensure that policies and practicies in the agricultre sector would reverse the rural depopulation trends that have been taking place for the past 50 years.
The average Canadian farmer is 58 years old. Who will grow our food in the future? Hopefully our children will, not some corporate farm from another country
Premier Wall can't have it both ways
We could finish this election campaign without serious issues even being raised, which isn’t the way to practice democracy. One such issue is whether thousands of truckloads of highly radioactive nuclear wastes will be brought from Ontario’s nuclear plants to a nuclear dump in our north.Premier Wall sidesteps the issue; there was no concern expressed when Pinehouse, Patuanak and Creighton were targeted as potential sites for a nuclear dump. On April 14th North Battleford groups delivered 5,000 signatures of people opposed to such a dump. Afterwards the Premier publicly acknowledged the “negative public opinion about a nuclear waste facility”, adding “I don’t think the mood of the province has changed, and frankly, what’s happening in Japan has got people thinking…” This left an impression that his government didn’t support a nuclear dump, but the industry-run Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) carried on with its monetary inducements in the north.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Unrest in Bill’s Republic of Doyle
By Erin Weir
 |
| PotashCorp CEO Bill Doyle |
The company got some free advertising in Regina’s Leader-Post through Bruce Johnstone’s column, which repeated Doyle’s op-ed. The Saskatchewan Party is parroting the same lines.
In response to Doyle, former Member of Parliament and PotashCorp director John Burton has an excellent op-ed in today’s Leader-Post. I have the following op-ed in today’s StarPhoenix:
Green Party Candidate Ingrid Alesich Blasts Sask Party, NDP on Childcare
PRESS RELEASE: GREEN PARTY CHILDCARE POLICY PAYS FOR ITSELF
Canada is last out of all the OECD (Organization for Economic and Co-operation and Development) countries in providing good quality, accessible childcare services and Saskatchewan is last in numbers, quality and affordability in the country.
Neither the NDP, nor the Sask Party are committed to changing the situation in any real way. The NDP had an opportunity to bring in low cost, accessible, childcare in their last governments. Several dozen studies and royal commissions in Canada over the last 40 years have all recommended: “Free, universally accessible, publically funded daycare” as the basis for critical early learning years for our future generations, for providing parents opportunities to gain higher education and attend work.
Neither the NDP, nor the Sask Party are committed to changing the situation in any real way. The NDP had an opportunity to bring in low cost, accessible, childcare in their last governments. Several dozen studies and royal commissions in Canada over the last 40 years have all recommended: “Free, universally accessible, publically funded daycare” as the basis for critical early learning years for our future generations, for providing parents opportunities to gain higher education and attend work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)