Province announces ‘Affordability cheque’ of $500 to go to all residents over age 18

Premier Scott Moe announced that people over the age of 18 will receive a $500 affordability tax credit cheque this fall as part of the provincial government’s first quarter financial update that will be announced tomorrow.

Moe sent out the announcement on his social media channels late Monday afternoon, pointing out rising costs that many are facing.

“So this fall, we’ll be sending a $500 affordability tax credit cheque to everyone in Saskatchewan age 18 and older to help with some of those rising costs,” he said. “Our finance minister will provide more details about this tax credit tomorrow (Tuesday) when she presents the complete financial picture.”

Moe said Donna Harpauer’s update will show that the province’s financial picture looks better than expected. He also said the government has a surplus in this quarter that is largely due to resource revenue.

The opposition isn’t impressed with the move.  Last night, NDP MLA and Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon released this statement:

“While Saskatchewan families have been struggling with historic inflation rates, rising cost of living expenses and record gas prices, the Sask. Party sat on billions in windfall revenues. Not only did they sit on these windfall revenues, but they also increased taxes and utility rates, adding to the hardships many Saskatchewan families and businesses were already facing. 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. 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.”