The Saskatchewan New Democrats have laid out their platform ahead of next year’s provincial election.
Over 300 people participated in the party’s convention over the weekend in Prince Albert. While addressing party delegates and supporters, leader Ryan Meili spoke about their vision which he calls an “upstream, resilient economy” for Saskatchewan.
Guest speakers and other activities were part of the weekend venture to get members ready for next year’s provincial election.
When speaking to Meili about some of the feedback he received during the convention, he said people are frustrated by the way the Saskatchewan Party has been letting people down.
“They’re looking for leadership that puts people first,” stated Meili. “I saw New Democrats come together of one mind ready to fight in this next election and really feeling hopeful and confident about our chances a year from now.”
The party has pledged to create a cap for early years classroom sizes, put more money into education, help create jobs and grow the economy, just to name a few.
With their plan, Meili mentioned how they are looking to embrace innovation, seeking new markets at home and abroad, sharing economic success around the province to help lift residents out of a struggling economic state, and focusing on building up provincial companies and workers.
“We really need to be thinking with a long-term vision in mind. Making the choices today that will allow us to either, in more difficult times, be able to thrive and do well, and when things are better, to take full advantage of opportunities.”
One of the areas the party feels needs support is in education. Before the weekend, Meili and education critic Carla Beck questioned the government’s efforts in addressing overcrowded classrooms and schools in the province.
The Sask. NDP believes education has been under-resourced by the Sask. Party, but they feel their strategy will fix the pressures schools are facing, whether it’s class sizes or resources.
For instance, Meili shared a plan to implement a student cap on early years classrooms.
“An NDP government will see kindergarten to grade three classes with no more than 24 kids,” he noted. “We’re going to make sure we keep those early years classrooms small enough so they can get the attention they need to succeed.”
He added that they’ll be working with classes throughout the age range to make sure supports are there, schools have enough educational assistants, and working closely with urban and rural schools.
The provincial election is scheduled to be held no later than October 26, 2020.
