The Saskatchewan Election of 2024 is heating up as major party leaders make promises centered around health care and support for small businesses. With the election fast approaching, both the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Saskatchewan Party (Sask. Party) have unveiled their health care initiatives, aiming to tackle pressing issues facing residents.
On October 9, 2024, the NDP announced plans to eradicate disruptions to emergency room services, claiming these closures have become increasingly frequent and problematic for rural communities across Saskatchewan. Party leaders pointed to specific cases where families faced dire situations only to find emergency services unavailable. Nicole Sarauer, the NDP candidate for Regina Douglas Park, expressed concern over the frustration of families experiencing such emergencies. “Imagine driving to a hospital during an emergency only to find the emergency room is closed,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of reliable health care access.
Meanwhile, Scott Moe, the leader of the Sask. Party, recently released the party’s proposal to expand glucose monitoring coverage to vulnerable groups, including seniors aged 65 and over and young adults up to 25. This would benefit approximately 9,000 seniors and 700 young adults, addressing the needs of those living with diabetes. After he announced the initiative, Moe noted, “Glucose monitoring can really help those who need it improve their health and quality of life.” This initiative builds upon previous commitments following their 2020 re-election, where they provided coverage for those under 18 at no additional cost.
Despite their respective health care promises, the NDP criticized the Sask. Party for opting out of the national pharmacare plan, which they argue would have significantly enhanced health care for diabetics and other patients across the province. Sarauer's statements reflected widespread concern, calling for immediate action to stabilize health care services and prevent future disruptions. “To keep our hospitals open with enough workers, we need to invest $1.1 billion,” she added, hinting at the necessity for improved staffing and reduced burnout among health care workers. Both Sarauer and Carla Beck, the NDP leader, are expected to make appearances throughout Saskatchewan to solicit feedback on health care, indicating their commitment to community engagement.
On the small business front, the election has seen significant discourse driven by local entrepreneurs struggling to stay open amid fluctuated economic conditions. Small business owner Miranda Young expressed her frustrations during an event on October 8, highlighting the challenges faced after she and her partner launched their shop, Alt Haus, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want to continue, no matter what happens,” Young said, explaining how increased costs—from rising mortgages to inflation—are stressing businesses like hers.
Young underscored the importance of small businesses to community diversity and emphasized the challenges faced relative to larger corporations. “We don’t want to be surrounded by corporations. We want to enjoy our communities, and when you’re supporting small businesses, you’re supporting your neighbors,” she urged. With increasing operational costs, many small entrepreneurs find themselves stretched thin, and the looming prospect of a potential small business tax hike adds to their anxiety.
Thankfully for Young and her peers, the NDP has proposed freezing small business taxes, garnering support from many owners who feel squeezed by existing financial strains. Aleana Young, another NDP candidate, reiterated their commitment to maintaining this freeze throughout their term, stating, “We will continue to listen to small businesses. We aim to keep them afloat so they can thrive.” This pledge could provide much-needed relief to those feeling the weight of rising expenses.
Financial management issues within the province have also been brought to the forefront, with candidates pointing fingers at past mismanagement as the underlying cause of current economic challenges, rather than the absence of revenue sources. Aleana Young stressed the mismanagement aspect, claiming, “We do not have a revenue problem; we have a management problem,” and highlighted the need for effective governance over simply raising taxes.
Overall, the Saskatchewan election is not just about political promises but reflects the real concerns of everyday people—be it about accessing health services or sustaining local businesses. With both parties attempting to cater to these urgent issues, the election narrative suggests close scrutiny over how these plans will manifest, especially when put to the test once the votes are cast.
