Moe demands end to carbon tax, highlights affordability measures in response letter to federal NDP Leader
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made yet another request to the federal government to cease the carbon tax – after federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh penned a letter to provincial leaders asking them to cut the provincial sales tax (PST) in several areas.
In his letter, Singh asked premiers across Canada to scrap the PST on “daily essentials” and monthly bills – which he claims would match his recent pledge to scrap the federal General Sales Tax (GST) on home heating, internet, mobile bills, diapers, kids’ clothes and grab and go groceries.
"People need relief and they need it now. I’m asking Canada’s premiers to join me in taking better care of people by scrapping the sales tax on daily essentials and monthly basics," Singh said in news release from the federal New Democrats.
"My tax-free essentials pledge plus provincial sales tax relief would go a long way to giving people some breathing room."
In his response, Premier Moe highlighted the fact that affordability was a major issue in the province’s recent election – and his re-elected Saskatchewan Party government intends to fulfill its commitments during the first sitting of the legislature.
He also noted that SaskPower already does not charge PST on residential natural gas.
"However, the Trudeau government, which you support, requires SaskEnergy to charge both the carbon tax and the GST on residential SaskEnergy bills," he said in the letter.
"Our government is now providing a carbon tax exemption on home heating, over the objections of the Trudeau government which you support. If you are serious about making life more affordable for Saskatchewan people and all Canadians, you should insist that the Trudeau government remove the carbon tax on home heating for all Canadians."
The Sask. Party’s election promises largely consisted of a long list of tax reductions for residents.
They include income tax reduction, a low-income tax credit, increases in the Graduate Retention Program and increases in numerous other tax credits – in addition to freezing the small business tax rate.
Affordability is top of mind for both parties with the Saskatchewan NDP urging the government to mirror Ottawa’s temporary GST cuts.
"We know right now, even before we get into the holiday season that there are people in this province who are falling behind on their mortgage payments, who are not able to pay all of their utility bills, who are struggling just to pay for the basics let alone but gifts for their kids or holiday meals,” Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck said.
“We support measures that are going to cut costs for Saskatchewan people.”
Government House Leader Tim McLeod said affordability measures are a good thing regardless of the government that is introducing them.
"We have very clearly set out what measures our government is going to pursue. We've received a mandate from the people of Saskatchewan to do that and we are going to do exactly what we said we were," he said.
Saskatchewan’s 30th legislature will officially convene on Nov. 25. The first order of business will be election of a new speaker before MLAs get down to business.
- With files from Wayne Mantyka
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden of gun, tax charges, despite promising not to
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.