A few days after the release of the Saskatchewan Party’s growth plan for the upcoming decade, the Sask. NDP find there are some flaws in the strategy when it comes to population growth.
Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon feels the government hasn’t properly thought out how they will address current issues with growing numbers in schools and increased wait times in health facilities.
He believes the government has failed to support population growth to date, adding that their goal won’t be attainable if the supports aren’t in place to assist the quality of life that residents deserve.
“Ultimately, we need to grow as a province but we need to improve people’s lives,” he said. “That should always be our focus. It shouldn’t be growth for the sake of growth.”
Wotherspoon hopes the government will seriously consider focusing on the problem of schools suffering from overcrowded classrooms if they want to see more people call Saskatchewan their home.
He said inadequate support and cuts in funding are a huge concern.
“It’s the kind of failure that will cost us the ability to grow economically and to meet our goals by way of population targets.”
The Saskatchewan Growth Plan states a population goal of 1.4 million people in the province by 2030. The Sask. Party also aims to reduce surgical wait times to a three-month target.