Sask. NDP commits to PST cuts at the grocery store

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck says if elected as premier, she would cut provincial sales tax (PST) from many of the grocery items families rely on.

“Saskatchewan families are struggling with the cost of living, we hear that every day,” Beck said, noting the promise is part of her plan to make life affordable for Saskatchewan families.

“I actually returned a bag of nectarines this summer because I checked out and had sticker shock,” said Mother of three, Gina Khonje. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

This follows her recent commitments of removing PST from children’s clothing, introducing new rent policies, and pausing tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for six months.

If elected this fall, she said the tax relief would be implemented before Christmas time, just as it would for children’s clothing.

“The average family is paying 40 per cent more in PST since Scott Moe came into power,” she said, noting the tax cut would save families hundreds of dollars at the grocery store.

During her announcement on Thursday, Beck explained the Sask. Party has expanded tax on grocery items such as rotisserie chicken, yogurt drinks, granola bars, and salted nuts.

“These aren’t luxuries, these are items that families rely on,” she said.

Mother of three, Gina Khonje stood by Beck during the announcement and said it’s getting harder for her family to meet their monthly budget with the current price of groceries.

Fruit and vegetables are especially what Khonje’s seen skyrocket when shopping, and every dollar counts for her family.

“I actually returned a bag of nectarines this summer because I checked out and had sticker shock,” Khonje said.

“It should be about more than just getting by,” Beck said. “Families should be able to save a little for vacation, or to put money away for their children’s education.”

Beck said her plan to address the rising cost of living Saskatchewan residents face is in contrast with the Sask. Party government’s vision.

“This is about investing in the priorities that Saskatchewan people want their government to be paying attention to, and not wasting money mismanaging projects like we’ve seen the (Sask. Party) government do year after year,” she said.