REGINA — Premier Scott Moe has announced a $500 affordability tax credit will go to all Saskatchewan residents over age 18 this fall.
Moe announced the affordability measure in a video released on social media Monday afternoon.
The premier said the province’s finances are improving much faster than expected due to higher resource prices, moving their budget position from a deficit to a surplus.
That's good news, said Premier Moe. But it “also means the cost of almost everything you buy has gone up.”
“You own the resources and you should benefit when those resource prices are high,” Moe said.
“So, this fall we will be sending a $500 affordability tax credit cheque to everyone in Saskatchewan aged 18 and over, to help with those rising costs.”
Moe said Finance Minister Donna Harpauer will have more details on the tax credit Tuesday, where she will present the first quarter update for the provincial budget. She is expected to present the complete financial picture for the province and also announce further measures on paying down debt and helping small businesses.
In a statement, NDP Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon made it known he thought the government waited too late to make the announcement.
“They should have offered this relief months ago as we’ve been calling for, in addition to scrapping their new taxes, utility increases and fee hikes,” Wotherspoon said.
“While other provincial governments acted to provide affordability relief, the Sask. Party has waited until right before their byelection call. This money belongs to the people of Saskatchewan, not the Sask. Party. The Sask. Party will consistently put their political interests above the wellbeing of the people of Saskatchewan – as they have done with these ‘buy’– election bucks.”
