The Saskatchewan NDP is promising funds to hire teachers and doctors while removing the provincial sales tax from construction labour and lowering car insurance rates if elected Oct. 26.

The party has released its platform, which focuses on spending increases in health care and schools. Leader Ryan Meili says in the platform that cuts and austerity during a global pandemic is dangerous.

“Deep cuts that hurt people and our economy are a bad idea at any time, but during a pandemic they are downright dangerous,” Meili said.

“We know that across Saskatchewan, communities are pulling together to fight COVID-19, but Scott Moe has chosen a path that will make life tougher for families. It doesn’t have to be that way. The people of Saskatchewan have a choice. They can choose an NDP government that puts people first.”

It includes $10 million for addictions treatment, $5 million for a suicide prevention strategy and $3 million for rural education.

Many of the promises were previously announced on the campaign trail, such as a $15-an-hour minimum wage and a one per cent tax on people with a net wealth over $15 million.

Meili has not set a date to balance the books but says an NDP government would appoint a panel of experts to get the province’s finances back on a solid footing.

(Canadian Press)