What to Expect
Saskatchewan
Premier Moe called the Saskatoon Meewasin byelection on Monday. Constituents will go to the polls on September 26 to choose who will replace former NDP leader Ryan Meili. The race will be an important indicator of support for the Opposition in the province. The seat was held by the Saskatchewan Party between 2011 and 2016 before being won by the NDP in a 2017 byelection and held in the 2020 general election.
Premier Moe also teased a big health care announcement, which will likely be made early next week. Expect lots of speculation around what it entails.
Manitoba
With Manitoba holding municipal elections on October 26, the fields vying to run the province’s counties, towns, and cities are solidifying. While much of the political discussion will centre around the race in Winnipeg, there will be a lot to watch across the province.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
On August 23, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a four-point affordability plan to help people address the rising cost of living. The plan includes:
The distribution of a $500 Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit payment.
The removal of fitness and gym memberships and some recreational activities from the planned October PST expansion on admissions, entertainment, and recreation.
The extension of the small business tax rate reduction.
The retirement of up to $1 billion in operating debt.
Manitoba
The Manitoba government has signed three new partnership agreements so more patients can get orthopedic surgeries at out-of-province clinics. The agreements have been signed with Big Thunder Orthopedic Associates in northwestern Ontario, Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. The new agreements are a temporary measure while the province tries to deal with a backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
