Inflation is out of control. Food costs could increase by up to 9% this year. Saskatchewan families are hurting. Many are faced with a stark choice: missing meals or choosing cheaper, unhealthier options. The impact on our long-term health and well being can’t be underestimated. In addition to nutritional impacts, mental health issues and strains on social services and charities, such as the food bank, will cause additional hardship. The Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan feels this is unacceptable. While the blame for inflation lies solely at the feet of the Federal Government and the Bank of Canada, our provincial government has been asleep at the wheel on the issue of affordability and food security, aside from a $500 rebate stunt, when it comes to helping Saskatchewan families. In August the provincial Government announced its Four-Point Affordability Plan – none of which will help you feed your family – even if you only buy groceries at the Dollar Store:
■ $500 cheque for taxpayers – works out to only $1.37 per day
■ PST exemptions for gym memberships – good luck working out on an empty stomach
■ Extending the small business tax rate reduction – on average, only $3,000 over 3 years or $2.74 per day
■ Paying off $1 billion in provincial government debt – a good long-term goal but there are more pressing short-term priorities. Other initiatives, like the government’s Indexation of the provincial Personal Income Tax (PIT) is a positive move and will benefit taxpayers in the long run, however it does little to address the immediate issue of food security. Thinking outside the box
How do we increase the availability of affordable and nutritious food? We can start by supporting measures to increase the supply of Saskatchewan grown and processed food. Some innovative ideas have been put forward: Using steam and CO2 by-products from industry to increase the potential of green houses for year-round, Saskatchewan grown produce to improve our food security, spur economic growth and increase employment opportunities. When paired with supports for our dairy and livestock industry, we can create affordable, sustainable and nutritious food options for Saskatchewan families. The SaskParty Government needs to start putting the people of Saskatchewan first
Rose Buscholl
Interim-leader
Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan
For more information: www.pcsask.ca