The Saskatchewan NDP has proposed a few measures they hope the Saskatchewan Party government will consider implementing for summer 2021.
Those suggestions include:
• Waive all provincial park gate fees for Saskatchewan residents for the 2021 summer season, in advance of the May long weekend;
• Re-introduce the Gradworks program to support jobs for young people; and
• Remove the PST from restaurant meals and live entertainment to support struggling local businesses as they safely reopen.
Aleana Young, the NDP’s jobs and economy critic, said on Thursday that there’s a potential to do some exciting things to help rejuvenate the province.
“While it’s obviously vital that we all continue to pay attention to public health guidelines and be cautious in our reopening, it’s also important that folks have something to look forward to and we can have a little fun,” Young stated.
Trades and Economic Development Minister Jeremy Harrison says people have already been flocking to parks, and he doesn’t see that changing this summer.
“We had the best year that we had ever had last year, the parks were literally full the entire summer , bookings are through the roof, the Minister of Parks talked about it in Question Period, over 52,000 reservations already made, in addition to many thousands more which will be,” said Harrison. “Our parks are going to be full again this year, which is a great thing.”
Harrsion adds the province is in a good spot heading into the summer months.
NDP Leader Ryan Meili said the government has the opportunity to support local businesses, create jobs and provide family-friendly activities as restrictions ease over the next couple months. However he added it is still important to remain cautious this summer.
“We know cases are not going away immediately, we know variants still exist and there are risks, but going out to your provincial or regional parks are safe options,” discussed Meili.
“There’s still a lot of work to do and there are challenges ahead, but we all need something to look forward to after these last few months.”
