Saskatchewan’s decision to break federal law by not exempting home heating from the carbon tax sparked a war of words with federal ministers this week, but that’s not the only spat the premier and cabinet have had to deal with. Ta.
The first week of the March legislative session was a huge success, with Premier Scott Moe sticking to his carbon tax decision and announcing a pre-budget plan that would send an additional $180 million to the school sector.
Caught between these issues was an accusation by the opposition NDP about the cost of servicing Cabinet member Dustin Duncan’s car during his visit to Paris in November.
Duncan, the Crown corporation minister, was in Ottawa recently and spent time filming a video announcing the Saskatchewan Party government’s intention to follow through on its commitment not to send home heating carbon taxes to the federal government.
The province sent $170 million to Ottawa last year, and this year’s total was expected to be even higher.
Moe and Duncan have been arguing since last fall that the federal government’s decision to exempt home heating oil from tax is “unfair” and that the policy does not apply to all forms of home heating equipment. He promised not to levy or levy taxes.
Federal Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault said this week that it was “immoral” and “irresponsible” for the prime minister to decide not to follow the law.
Watch | Issues Panel will discuss carbon tax on March 7, 2024.
This week’s issue: Saskatchewan is reining in its carbon tax burden, but how will the federal government ensure other provinces pay? Conservatives fire two Chinese scientists They are calling for greater transparency surrounding the Winnipeg lab leak. Furthermore, does the Pharmacare Act deliver on its promise?
“What happens if tomorrow someone decides they don’t want to respect other federal laws or criminal laws?” Guilbeault said Monday.
“If Premier Scott Moe decides he doesn’t respect federal law and wants to start breaking it, we need to take action.”
Last year, the provincial government, with support from the NDP, transferred responsibility for SaskEnergy’s natural gas supply to the minister’s office. This means that if Mr. Duncan fails to comply with the law and fails to pay the taxes he collects, he will be subject to fines and even prison time. .
Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told CBC. power and politics The government will discuss “consequences” this week, he said, adding that he hopes the province “steps back from the brink” and “acts like a real law-abiding citizen, but I think that’s up to Prime Minister Moe.” Told.
“I think people in Saskatchewan and across the country should be appalled by such actions by the premier,” Wilkinson said.
He previously said the state would not see any rebates going forward, but said the rebates could be scaled back later.
Wilkinson said losing the rebate would hurt low-income families.
Mr Moe defended the government’s decision, saying the tax was a “stupid, stupid and harmful” policy that “should be abolished by this government or the next”.
He said the federal government’s response was flawed, with many people receiving more rebates than they paid in carbon taxes.
“So is it about emissions or is it about redistribution of wealth? I think that’s a question you have to ask the federal government. What we’re saying is that emissions will be reduced and That means we haven’t,” Mo said.
He said Ottawa’s decision to reduce rebates and waive taxes on home heating would be a welcome deal.
“You pay less tax, you get less rebates, and that’s OK. Our goal is to pay zero carbon taxes.”
Teachers unfazed by funding promises
Regina-area teachers marked the first day of spring with a sit-in, walkout and picketing in front of Parliament House as the government and teachers’ federation continue their standoff over a new agreement.
In a social media video released Wednesday night, Mo announced a significant budget pledge that would add an additional $180 million to K-12 education funding, with $45 million of that going toward classroom support. He took an unprecedented action.
Moe’s announcement included a call for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation to cancel the planned hiring measures, but the union instead promised to escalate them.
And on Friday morning, the province reached a four-year agreement with the Saskatchewan School Board that will provide approximately $357 million annually in funding to “expand investment in classroom support and youth mental health resources.” Announced.
Teachers say the ongoing labor impasse is due to the government’s reluctance to factor classroom size and complexity into new contracts. Unions are reluctant to provide funding for issues outside the deal.
“Ministers have reiterated, and we agree, that the best deals happen at the negotiation table,” STF president Samantha Becot said Friday afternoon, responding to the funding announcement between the province and the school board association. Ta.
“But his words and actions do not match, as the minister continues to offer deals away from the negotiating table.”
Becot said the teachers’ federation would return to negotiations under certain conditions, including that departments “cannot use these new funds for purposes other than student support.”
The STF said the funds should be limited to student aid, as “unrestricted” funds could be used for debt repayments.
Minister’s visit to Paris is under surveillance
The most high-profile topic in Parliament this week was the Opposition’s question to Meaux and Duncan about the minister’s $3,500 motor vehicle service bill during a visit to Paris in November.
Duncan was there to attend the World Nuclear Exhibition to “demonstrate the state’s nuclear capabilities and opportunities on the international stage.”
SaskPower critic Alaina Young of the NDP said taxpayers were paying for a Mercedes to go to the meeting, and the trip was also used for “tourism.”
Young said Duncan’s travel records showed he used a car service after visiting a museum containing Napoleon’s tomb.
She said Duncan’s itinerary showed he was scheduled to tour the Expo’s pavilions around the same time.
Duncan said itinerary items are just placeholders. He also said he paid for his own trip to the museum and took time out of his schedule to tour it.
“This was a work trip,” Duncan said.
But Young characterized it as “another example of how entitled and out of touch the Sask Party is.”
NDP Leader Carla Beck called for an apology.
Mr Moe stood at home to defend Mr Duncan and received a standing ovation from members of the government.
listen | Morning edition Political committee on Paris shuttle costs, contract negotiations with teachers:
Morning edition – Sask12:14Political Panel – March 8th
Have you had a chance to visit Paris? Did you go for work or with your own money? A Saskatchewan minister’s visit to the famous city is drawing attention. That’s after Dustin Duncan spent some time sightseeing and attending conferences. Get the latest information.
